External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned during a conversation at Asia Society in New York on September 28, 2026, that the world is facing a 'major food crisis' in the coming months. The warning comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Iran-Gulf region, which he said have had a 'devastating impact' on Global South economies. The minister emphasized that the situation is 'very very stressful' for these nations, citing a combination of energy, food, and financial crises.

Jaishankar highlighted the disruption of grain exports, particularly to the Black Sea, and noted that fertiliser shortages are exacerbating the problem. He pointed to the impact of climate patterns, including a 'super El Niño,' as contributing to the crisis. The minister also warned that the financial system is under strain as capital moves toward 'safe harbours' away from the Global South, further compounding the challenges.

The minister did not specify which countries are most at risk, nor did he provide a timeline for the crisis. He called for 'sound common sense' to ensure that the basic needs of countries are not neglected.

Jaishankar also addressed the energy crisis, noting that it has already led to political instability in the wake of the Ukraine war. He expressed concern that the current situation in the Iran-Gulf region could 'feed' and 'aggravate' existing tensions. He acknowledged that some countries may resist external pressures while others may be forced to make adjustments, but he did not elaborate on which nations might be most affected.

The minister's remarks underscore the interconnected nature of global crises, with energy, food, and financial systems all interlinked. However, the exact mechanisms by which these factors will combine to create a food crisis remain unclear. The minister did not provide data on the scale of the expected shortfall or the specific regions most vulnerable to the crisis.

The warning comes as global tensions continue to rise, with conflicts in multiple regions affecting supply chains and economic stability. While Jaishankar's statements highlight the severity of the situation, the lack of detailed information on the crisis's scope and timing leaves many questions unanswered. Further analysis and data will be needed to fully assess the potential impact of the predicted food crisis.