The intensifying El Niño poses significant risks to India, particularly in terms of its impact on the Southwest Monsoon and kharif crop yields. A monsoon deficit, combined with an already warmer growing season, could lead to reduced agricultural output. Additionally, marine heatwaves in the Indian Ocean, flagged by INCOIS, may stress fisheries and coral ecosystems, further affecting livelihoods dependent on these resources. Historical models used for drought preparedness and reservoir management may struggle to account for the compounded effects of this event, increasing the risk of inadequate response measures.