Global Conflicts Threaten Food And Fuel Supplies As Political Row Erupts Over Economic Warnings

UPDATED: Sep 30, 2026 08:59 ISTAddressing an event in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are causing severe disruption across Global South economies. He cautioned that food security, energy supplies, and fertilizer availability face compounding pressures due to geopolitical tensions and adverse weather events such as El Niño. The remarks prompted political debate in India, with the Congress claiming vindication for Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who previously cautioned against an impending economic tsunami. The broadcast details the quadruple global shock across food, fuel, fertilizers, and finance, highlighting risks from shipping lane disruptions, export restrictions, and tightening financial conditions. It further breaks down how El Niño threatens monsoon rains, agricultural yields, and irrigation, raising concerns over potential domestic and global price hikes. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSCoast Guard & ATS Seize Drugs Worth ₹3,000 Cr in Arabian Sea, 5 Pakistani Nationals HeldIn a joint maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad neutralised a major transnational narcotics smuggling attempt in the Arabian Sea, west of Lakshadweep. The high seas operation led to the seizure of approximately 526 kilograms of high-grade contraband comprising heroin, valued at over 3,000 crore rupees in international markets. Five Pakistani nationals operating the intercepted dhow were apprehended. The vessel's crew and the seized contraband were escorted under armed guard to Mumbai for joint interrogation and comprehensive multi-agency legal proceedings.Opposition Meets Over CEC Resignation Demand, SIR Row; BJP Calls Bloc Sinking ShipThe INDIA bloc convenes in New Delhi to formulate a joint strategy targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise and alleged voter deletions. Opposition leaders, including representatives from the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Nationalist Congress Party, and Left parties, are discussing potential impeachment proceedings, demands for the CEC's resignation, and the reinstatement of deleted voters across the country. Meanwhile, parties such as the Samajwadi Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Aam Aadmi Party are skipping the meeting. The Bharatiya Janata Party has criticised the opposition meeting, labelling the alliance a sinking ship, a failed experiment, and a house of cards. The opposition aims to highlight alleged electoral roll discrepancies and plan nationwide campaigns.INDIA Bloc Rift: SP, DMK and AAP Skip Crucial Strategy MeetingCracks have surfaced within the opposition INDIA bloc as key regional allies stayed away from a crucial meeting called to strategise on the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision process. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav skipped the deliberation citing Rajya Sabha nomination commitments in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam decided not to attend after breaking ties following the Congress party's backing of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu. The Aam Aadmi Party also opted out, having stated that it is no longer part of the alliance. The Bharatiya Janata Party mocked the developments, asserting that the facade of opposition unity stands exposed. The bloc faces major challenges, including regional seat-sharing conflicts, questions regarding leadership, and lacking the parliamentary numbers required to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the Special Intensive Revision process has already cleared scrutiny from the Supreme Court.INDIA Bloc Rift Widens as SP, DMK and AAP Skip Key Opposition MeetingThe opposition INDIA bloc convened to deliberate on strategy regarding the Election Commission, but internal divisions emerged as key regional constituents opted out of the meeting. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav skipped the session due to Rajya Sabha nomination commitments in Uttar Pradesh, sending party representatives instead. The DMK also stayed away, stating it is no longer part of the alliance after Congress supported Vijay's TVK in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party declined participation, with leader Sanjay Singh reiterating that AAP is not part of the INDIA alliance. The Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the opposition, claiming its facade of unity had collapsed amidst reciprocal accusations. Further challenges highlighted for the coalition include seat-sharing disputes, weak electoral showings by the Congress, and inadequate parliamentary strength to pursue a removal motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Supreme Court scrutiny already clearing the election-related procedures.