West should not make foodgrain situation similar to Corona Vaccine – India’s rebuke in UN

United Nations: – India lashed out at the western countries, saying that don’t let the food grain situation become similar to the Corona Vaccine. The priority should be to supply food grain to those who need it the most. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, V Muraleedharan, issued a warning to Western countries while speaking at the United Nations, citing the wheat shortage created after starting the Ukraine conflict. Pointing out that the food grain rates have risen even in India, despite having the necessary stocks, Muraleedharan justified the ban imposed by India on the export of wheat.

Moreover, India imposed a ban on wheat exports on 13th May. Repercussions of the decisions were felt on the global level. Especially European countries and the United States expressed regret over the Indian ban on wheat exports. But Deputy Foreign Minister Muraleedharan pointed out during his speech at the United Nations that India has a definite stand behind the ban. A discussion had been organised in the United Nations over the topic ‘Global Food Security Call to Action’. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken presided over the meeting. The Indian Deputy Foreign Minister showed a mirror to the western countries, including the United States, with an appeal that doesn’t let the food grain situation become like the Corona Vaccine.

The companies in the western world had refused to open the patent for the Corona Vaccine, forwarding the reason of intellectual property rights. This made it difficult for the poor and underdeveloped countries to get the Corona Vaccine. The developed countries even refused to supply the raw materials required to produce the vaccine. The selfish stand that the vaccines made in their countries only should get to the market was behind these actions. But after India and other countries adopted a tough stand, the developed countries were forced to change their policies.

The wheat supply to the world has stopped due to the Ukraine conflict. Therefore, India, having surplus stocks of wheat, is receiving demands worldwide. In this scenario, India has banned wheat exports. The Indian stand is clear that those who need it the most should get this wheat. V Muraleedharan clarified during his speech at the United Nations that at the same time, India had taken this decision to prevent a hike in the wheat prices, which will, in turn, hit the poorer countries. The rates for wheat have risen even in India, despite having the required stocks, riding on rumours. Muraleedharan pointed out that this situation cannot be tolerated. Therefore, India has decided to ban wheat exports as part of emergency planning.