New Delhi, April 15 -- At a time when crude oil price volatility stemming from the US-Iran war has raised uncertainties about the Indian economy, reports suggesting the impact of El Niño on monsoon have raised fresh concerns that a poor monsoon will result in a low Kharif harvest, drive food inflation, hit rural demand and derail the growth momentum of the country.

Weather forecasters fear India may see one of its driest monsoons in years in 2026. Skymet has predicted rainfall at 94% of the long-term average, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects it to be 92% of the 50-year average due to the El Niño effect.

"The West Asia conflict and the consequent spike in crude prices have triggered uncertainty about Indi...