S Jaishankar Raises Alarm Over Conflicts, 4F Crisis and Global Uncertainty

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has described the current global environment as increasingly challenging, pointing to ongoing conflicts, economic vulnerabilities and growing uncertainty over technology and development.

Glad to speak at @AsiaSociety at the end of the #UNHighLevelWeek. Thank @dannyrrussel for the conversation. Highlighted the following points:

✅ The difficult state of the world, with multiple conflicts and the 4F (food, fuel, fertiliser & finance) crisis.

✅ The paradox of… pic.twitter.com/KBiGHPwf1e

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 29, 2026

Speaking at the Asia Society in the United States at the conclusion of the UN High Level Week, Jaishankar said foreign ministers from across the world had gathered in New York for the annual high-level diplomatic exercise.
Reflecting on the global situation, the

External Affairs Minister said the world currently faces two major ongoing conflicts, with consequences extending well beyond the countries directly involved.

He highlighted the continuing difficulties in West Asia, while also pointing to conflicts in Africa, particularly the situation in Sudan.
Jaishankar also referred to what he described in his address to the UN General Assembly as the “4F crisis” — food, fuel, fertilizers and finance. According to him, these challenges are affecting a large part of the world and adding to existing economic pressures.

The External Affairs Minister further raised concerns over growing supply-chain vulnerabilities, saying disruptions and uncertainties in global supply networks remain a major issue for countries.

He also noted that progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is falling behind targets, while anxiety surrounding technological developments is increasing.

Summing up his assessment of the international environment, Jaishankar said the world is facing increasingly difficult circumstances and observed that major countries are setting the tone of global affairs.

His remarks came against the backdrop of the annual UN High Level Week, where world leaders and foreign ministers discuss major international, economic, security and development challenges.