Jaishankar says Global South faces '4F crisis' of finance, fuel, food, fertilisers; urges Global North to act

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged the United Nations to exercise decisive leadership during global crises rather than remaining a passive observer, speaking on Sunday in New Delhi. Addressing a gathering to mark United Nations Day, Jaishankar argued that large portions of the world cannot be excluded from critical decision-making processes. He emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms within the international body, stating that the case for reformed multilateralism grows stronger daily. While acknowledging that the current world is imperfect, he asserted that humanity must continuously strive toward greater perfection by recognizing institutional shortcomings and seeking their improvement. The minister highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by nations with limited influence in geopolitical matters. He noted that countries far removed from the active theaters of conflict in Ukraine and West Asia are currently paying the economic and social costs of this turmoil. Jaishankar warned that the world cannot afford to be half-prosperous and half-denied, particularly in an era defined by intricate supply chains, globalized markets, and shared resources. He described such uneven development as a recipe for continuous instability, arguing that progress and prosperity are inseparable from peace and security. A central theme of his address was the severe economic pressures facing developing nations. Jaishankar identified a specific "4F crisis" affecting the Global South, comprising shortages and instabilities in finance, fuel, food, and fertilizer. He challenged the Global North to recognize that it holds equal stakes in resolving these challenges. According to the minister, the international economy requires immediate de-risking, and nations need access to more diversified options. He criticized market distortions caused by constrictions and chokepoints, describing them as factors that exacerbate global suffering. Jaishankar stated that a genuine dialogue on these economic issues is overdue. On the subject of security, Jaishankar condemned the use of terrorism as an instrument of statecraft, labeling it unacceptable and impossible to justify or rationalize. Although he did not name specific countries, he observed that the persistence of terrorism stems from the failure of certain states to demonstrate zero tolerance. He pointed out that despite historical lessons, some governments continue to prioritize political calculations over security imperatives. Jaishankar called for a sharper global awareness of this common threat and urged nations to unite with stronger resolve to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. His comments regarding state-sponsored terrorism arrived shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Pakistan earlier in the week. Speaking to media outlets, Rubio argued that maintaining relations with Pakistan was necessary due to the country's possession of nuclear weapons and its strategic geographic location. Rubio suggested that engagement allowed the United States to exert influence over Islamabad’s decisions, potentially helping to discourage activities that concern India. He characterized the India-U.S. relationship as a strategic partnership spanning technology, trade, and security, noting that both nations were aligned on key twenty-first-century issues despite existing differences. Jaishankar also addressed the transformative impact of emerging technologies, specifically artificial intelligence. He described AI as the "mother of all change" and warned against leaving its governance in the hands of a select few. Such a concentration of power, he argued, would contradict the trends of freedom and democratization witnessed over the past eighty years. India advocates for a responsible, inclusive, and human-centric approach to technology, reflecting the belief that AI has universal applicability and requires broad-based oversight. The minister reiterated India’s commitment to peacebuilding, stating that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable solutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. He invoked the principle of the indivisibility of peace, asserting that war in any region threatens stability everywhere. Jaishankar confirmed that India is actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts and remains open to collaborating with other partners to advance these goals. His speech took place at the Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav Global Sammelan, an event celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Chinaya Mission, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The audience included Stefan Priesner, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in India. These remarks followed a condemnation issued by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding a deadly attack on a church in Karak, Jordan, on October 23. The incident resulted in seven deaths and thirty-four injuries. In a formal statement, the ministry described the attack as heinous and cowardly, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery. Jaishankar’s broader message focused on the necessity for the United Nations to move beyond symbolic gestures and take tangible steps to harmonize national actions toward common ends, as originally envisioned in Article 1 of the UN Charter. He maintained that the collective and cooperative instincts established upon the founding of the UN more than eight decades ago remain essential for navigating current global challenges.