Jaishankar Urges Global Guardrails for Fuel and Food at UN Multilateralism Summit
At the first P4M Summit on the UNGA margins, S Jaishankar called for frameworks to address the '4F' crisis and pressed for reformed multilateralism.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called on the international community to build frameworks and guardrails for the supply of fuel and food, warning that the global order is under strain from intense competition, geopolitical tensions and active conflicts.
Speaking in New York at the inaugural Partners for Multilateralism, International Law, Peace and Prosperity (P4M) Summit, held on the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Jaishankar said the world had undergone a steady rebalancing over several decades — a structural evolution that was long expected. Extreme competition and conflict, he said, had given this shift a very different character, and if left unchecked it would call into question the very spirit of international cooperation.
India co-sponsored the summit, which Jaishankar said was taking place at a moment when the global order is under stress and when more participative deliberations and transparent decision-making are overdue. He was joined by fellow co-sponsors, including European Council President Antonio Costa, Kenyan President William Ruto, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
The '4F' crisis
Jaishankar said that while ongoing conflicts persist, nations can work on specific dimensions even as they pursue broader peace. The "4F" crisis of fuel, food, fertiliser and finance cannot be left to itself, he said, arguing that new capabilities and concerns create a powerful case for frameworks and guardrails. Where there is a threat of chokepoint dominance and disruption, de-risking and diversifying must be encouraged, he added, and where a compelling cause exists, like-minded countries must have the confidence to come together.
The comments come amid the United States passing a Russia sanctions bill that could have significant implications for New Delhi's energy imports from Moscow.
Push for reformed multilateralism
Jaishankar stressed that multilateralism is best served when international law, rules and norms are scrupulously observed. For multilateralism to advance, both its advocacy and its practice must be strengthened, he said, describing reformed multilateralism as essential and calling for wider participation in deliberations and greater transparency in decision-making.
He noted that very real issues are at stake, including the future of peace and international security, climate action and climate justice, countering terrorism and strengthening supply chains, all of which depend on a will to cooperate.
The summit was held as the 15-nation UN Security Council remains deeply polarised, with sharp divisions among its five veto-wielding permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. India has long pitched for a seat on the Security Council to reflect the realities of today's world.
Visegrad meeting and bilaterals
On the sidelines, Jaishankar took part in the first foreign ministers' meeting between India and the four-member Visegrad Group of Central European countries, calling it a new historic occasion. India and the grouping — the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia — agreed to step up political, economic and defence cooperation.
On the first day of his New York visit, Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings, beginning with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. He said their regular meetings and telephone conversations help maintain the momentum of the Special Global Strategic Partnership, adding that regional and global issues, specifically the Ukraine and Gulf crises, were discussed, along with multilateral matters including reform of the UN Security Council.
He also met Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, weeks after meeting the Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv earlier in the month. Sybiha said the two discussed peace efforts, bilateral cooperation and international developments, including the situation in the Black Sea and its market implications, noting that restoring freedom of navigation is critical for global food security.
Jaishankar also held a first meeting with Hungary's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban, with the two resolving to deepen ties and advance the bilateral strategic partnership. He is scheduled to address world leaders at the General Debate from the UNGA podium on September 26.