India reaffirmed its ban on wheat exports after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “threatens to tip tens of millions of people over the edge into Food insecurity is the first step, followed by malnutrition, mass hunger, and famine.”
New Delhi, India – Amid global outrage over India’s decision to ban wheat exports, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, has assured the world that India will continue to provide food to nations that rely on its exports and are most in need’ as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to IANS. “Let me be clear: these measures allow for export based on approvals to those countries that are required to meet their food security demands,” he said. The Ministerial Meeting on “Global Food Security Call to Action,” convened by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, discussed India’s food export policy.
“This will be done at the respective governments’ request.” “This policy will ensure that we truly respond to those in need,” the minister went on to say.
India reaffirmed its position after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “threatens to tip tens of millions of people over the edge into food insecurity, followed by malnutrition, mass hunger, and famine.”
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Several international media reports claimed that India’s new export policy, which comes as the country faces price increases and domestic shortages, will abandon its partners and those nations that rely on India for food stock.
Muraleedhara’s explanation at the conference, on the other hand, was intended to dispel any such impression or narrative by reiterating India’s commitment to stand by the side of nations in need.
Global market volatility and food shortages have been triggered as a result of the break-in grain supplies following the Ukraine-Russia crisis, which, according to Guterres, “produces nearly a third of half of the world’s wheat and barley, as well as half of its sunflower oil.”
Restrictions apply only to future commercial transactions.
“There should be no restrictions on exports,” the UN chief said, adding that “surplus should be made available to the neediest.”
But Union Minister Muraleedharan said that “open markets should not become an argument for perpetuating inequality and promoting discrimination” – an approach he insisted created problems with the availability of COVID vaccines.
India never shied away from helping the world: Muraleedharan
He said the wheat export restrictions were introduced only “to manage their overall food security and to support the needs of neighboring and other vulnerable developing countries”.
When it comes to helping countries in crisis, India has “never been found short”, be it the Covid-19 pandemic or conflict.
“We have provided thousands of metric tonnes of wheat, rice, pulses, and pulses to many countries, including our neighbors and Africa, to help them improve their food security,” Muraleedharan said.
He said India has donated 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, and 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar and is also assisting Sri Lanka.
In keeping with our ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “the world is one family,” and our “neighborhood first policy,” we will continue to help our neighbors in their time of need and will always be by their side. According to an Indian diplomat.
