India to play role in advancing global food security, to uphold equity, and promote social justice: MoS V Muraleedharan
India has expressed concern over global food insecurity and underlined need for collective work to alleviate suffering of most affected. Addressing a high-level ministerial meeting on Global Food Security Call to action in New York, Minister of state for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia-Ukraine have impacted the developing countries, with spiraling energy and commodity prices and disruption in global logistical supply chains.
Mr. Muraleedharan pointed out the Global Report on Food Crises and said according to the 2022 report, 139 million people had suffered across the world from conflict-induced acute food insecurity.
He said, India will play its due role in advancing global food security, in which it will uphold equity, display compassion, and promote social justice.
In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, India is donating 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the people of Afghanistan. He said, India has continued its humanitarian support for Myanmar, including a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat.
The Minister said India is also assisting Sri Lanka including with food assistance, during these difficult times.