Global South confronts four-fold crisis, Jaishankar tells developed nations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday underscored the severe economic pressures confronting Global South nations, characterising the situation as a multi-faceted '4F crisis' spanning financial instability, fuel shortages, food insecurity and fertiliser scarcity.

Addressing the challenge, Jaishankar pointed to geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and West Asia as primary contributors to the broader economic turmoil. He emphasised that nations geographically distant from these conflict zones are nonetheless bearing substantial costs through disrupted supply chains, elevated commodity prices and constrained access to critical resources.

The EAM's remarks underscore India's long-standing position that developing economies—already grappling with infrastructure deficits and limited fiscal buffers—face disproportionate hardship from global shocks originating elsewhere. The interconnected nature of modern economies means that regional conflicts rapidly transmit economic damage across borders and continents.

Jaishankar's articulation of the '4F crisis' framework reflects growing diplomatic efforts by India and other Global South nations to draw international attention to their vulnerabilities. His call for action from developed economies signals expectations that wealthier nations should coordinate policy responses to stabilise global markets and support emerging economies navigating these cumulative pressures.