External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has warned that the world could face increasing pressure on food supplies as conflicts, fertiliser shortages, energy disruptions and extreme weather affect global markets.

Speaking at an Asia Society event following the UN High-Level Week, Jaishankar highlighted four major areas of concern — food, fuel, fertiliser and finance. He said disruptions in one area could worsen problems in the others, putting additional pressure on developing countries.

The conflict in Ukraine has affected grain supplies and created uncertainty around shipments through the Black Sea region. Any further disruption to these routes could affect countries that depend on imports of wheat and other agricultural commodities.

Fertiliser supplies are another concern. Russia is a major supplier of fertilisers and the wider conflict has disrupted international trade. The situation in the Middle East has added further uncertainty to energy and commodity markets.

Jaishankar also pointed to the possibility of a strong El Niño. Such weather conditions can affect rainfall and temperatures across several parts of the world and may reduce agricultural production in vulnerable regions.

Together, these factors could increase food prices and create additional difficulties for countries already dealing with economic pressures.

Financial pressure on developing countries

Jaishankar also discussed the impact of global financial conditions on developing economies. Higher uncertainty can encourage investors to move money towards assets and markets considered safer, potentially reducing the flow of capital into emerging economies.

For countries in the Global South, this can make it harder to manage rising import costs, food and energy requirements and development needs.

The minister has also highlighted the changing balance of power in international affairs, with more countries seeking greater influence and a larger role in global decision-making.

India-US and India-China relations

Jaishankar also discussed India's relations with the United States, including differences over trade and India's concerns about terrorism originating from Pakistan.

He also referred to India's relationship with China and the gradual improvement in bilateral engagement following tensions between the two countries.

His comments come at a time when governments are dealing with multiple geopolitical and economic disruptions at the same time. The combination of food, energy, fertiliser and financial pressures could make global economic conditions more difficult, particularly for developing nations.

Jaishankar's warning comes as countries prepare for the possibility of further disruptions to agricultural production and international supply chains in the months ahead.