Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Jaishankar Warns Wars and El Niño Could Deepen Food Crisis
S Jaishankar warned that food could become harder and more expensive to obtain around the world.
He said wars are disrupting the movement of grain, energy and fertiliser.
Fertiliser helps farmers grow crops, so shortages may reduce future harvests.
A strong El Niño could also change rainfall and harm farming in several regions.
India expects less rain than usual during its monsoon.
Crops such as rice, grains, sugar and palm oil could be affected.
Problems near the Strait of Hormuz have made some trade more expensive.
Countries that rely on imported food may face greater difficulties.
Jaishankar said countries should consider how their decisions affect others.
S Jaishankar warned that the world could face a major food crisis in the coming months.
He cited grain-shipment disruptions, fertiliser shortages, geopolitical conflicts and the risk of a strong El Niño.
He said conflicts in Ukraine and the Iran-Gulf region were placing severe pressure on Global South economies.
Shipping disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have increased energy and fertiliser-trade costs.
Below-average monsoon rainfall in India and weaker harvests elsewhere could raise food prices and threaten import-dependent countries.
- Who
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warned about increasing global food-crisis risks.
- What
- He warned that conflicts, disrupted grain shipments, fertiliser shortages and a possible strong El Niño could threaten food supplies.
- When
- The warning concerns the coming months and India’s current Kharif and upcoming rabi seasons.
- Where
- The risks affect global markets, with particular concerns for Global South economies and agricultural regions in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Why
- Geopolitical conflicts and shipping disruptions are affecting energy and fertiliser supplies, while uncertain rainfall could reduce harvests.
- Warning
- A major global food crisis could develop in the coming months.
- Main pressures
- Grain-supply disruptions, fertiliser shortages, geopolitical conflicts and a possible strong El Niño.
- Affected economies
- Jaishankar described the situation as especially stressful for Global South economies.
- Fertiliser sources
- The articles identify West Asia and Russia as key fertiliser-producing regions affected by geopolitical tensions.
- Shipping route
- The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for energy and fertiliser trade, and disruptions have raised costs.
- India rainfall outlook
- India has forecast below-average monsoon rainfall.
- Potential crops
- Rice, grains, sugar and palm oil production could be affected by changing rainfall patterns.
