Foreign Minister in New York Dr. Jaishankar addressed the Asia Society at the conclusion of the UN High-Level Week. Referring to the current global situation, the foreign minister said, “The truth is that this world is tough and getting tougher day by day and only big countries are deciding its direction.”

S. Jaishankar said, “The situation in the world looks very serious because there are two major conflicts going on right now, and each is affecting every country in the world. The situation is very difficult in the Middle East or what we call West Asia. There are also many conflicts going on in Africa, especially in Sudan, but also in other places.”

New York: Speaking at an Asia Society event, EAM S. Says Jaishankar, “…but it’s really, really a pleasure to meet you all, and as you know, this is the time when foreign ministers from around the world gather in New York. And I’ve come for that annual ceremony.” pic.twitter.com/lAjTSn66fa

— IANS (@ians_india) September 29, 2026

‘Much of the world is facing a 4F crisis’

A large part of the world is facing what I called the ‘4F crisis’ in my speech to the General Assembly – food, fuel, fertilizer and finance. Apart from this, weaknesses in the supply chain are increasing. SDG targets are being missed. There is also a lot of concern about technology.

Addressing the Indian-American community, NRIs and policy experts, Jaishankar said the “very complex” ground realities of negotiations have affected the trade talks. During a conversation with former US diplomat Daniel Russell, he said, “Today we have reached a point where there is more or less consensus on a trade agreement.” Jaishankar said that India’s economic structure consists of a large number of small producers, agricultural producers and factories. America’s economic structure is quite different.

“Concluding trade negotiations requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. Expectations of rapid progress have also been ‘tested’ by the complexities involved,” he said.