India, Nov. 7 -- The war in West Asia has exposed a dangerous reality of the modern global economy: a conflict fought in one region can threaten the food security, energy supplies and economic stability of countries thousands of kilometres away. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, now extending into its ninth month, has disrupted the movement of oil, gas and fertilisers, while the continuing war in Ukraine keeps the Black Sea's commercial routes under threat. The consequences are being felt from South Asia to Africa and Latin America.

For the Global South, this is no longer a distant geopolitical crisis. It is an economic emergency.

India's food security under pressure

India's exposure is particularly significant. The country imports ...