United Nations, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has warned that developing countries are facing mounting pressures on food, fuel, fertiliser and finance, describing the situation as a “4F crisis” that is threatening development gains across the Global South.
“The predicament of the global South is particularly acute. It faces a 4F crisis of the security of food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance,” Jaishankar said while addressing the UN General Assembly.
He cited climate-related disruptions, fertiliser shortages and obstacles to grain movement among the factors adding pressure on developing economies. Progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals was also facing setbacks, he said.
Jaishankar said restricted market access and non-market practices were making it harder for developing countries to industrialise. He also flagged concerns over technology, saying the misuse of artificial intelligence could deepen bias and weaken mutual trust.
His remarks came against a wider backdrop of supply-chain disruptions, higher commodity costs and tighter financing conditions affecting developing economies. The UN has similarly warned that overlapping geopolitical, climate and economic shocks are placing additional pressure on food, energy, trade and financing.
Jaishankar said the erosion of trust between countries was prompting governments to diversify economic partnerships and reduce exposure to external risks.
Against this backdrop, he presented India’s development experience as an example of approaches that could potentially be adapted elsewhere. He highlighted improvements in healthcare, nutrition, education, drinking water, electricity, roads and housing, along with the use of digital public infrastructure.
India’s development partnerships now include hundreds of projects across developing countries, covering areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, information technology and training, he said.
“Even as India progresses, we are conscious of our global responsibilities,” Jaishankar said, adding that India’s experiences and achievements could be replicated in other countries.
He also highlighted India-led international initiatives on climate and resilience, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance. India has previously identified the Solar Alliance and CDRI as key components of its climate and development cooperation with partner countries.
Jaishankar said India had also provided medical supplies and emergency assistance to countries affected by conflicts, epidemics and natural disasters. He cited India’s response to flash floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Venezuela.
He said Indian programmes had further supported access to food, medicines, energy and fertilisers, while training and knowledge-sharing initiatives had helped strengthen livelihoods in countries across the Global South, particularly in Africa.
Jaishankar’s address placed the development concerns of poorer and developing countries at the centre of India’s message at the 81st UN General Assembly, whose 2026 high-level week has focused on restoring trust, advancing sustainable development and addressing interconnected global challenges.
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