NEW DELHI – PM Narendra Modi has urged Indians to adopt austerity measures similar to those followed during the coronavirus pandemic, citing growing concerns over the economic impact of the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking in Hyderabad, Modi said the current global situation requires citizens to return to practices such as remote work, virtual meetings, and reduced unnecessary travel in order to conserve national resources and foreign exchange reserves.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, we worked from home, held virtual meetings, and video conferences. We became accustomed to this. The need of the hour is to return to these methods,” the Indian prime minister said.
Modi emphasized the importance of reducing India’s dependence on imported energy resources and called on citizens to rethink their consumption habits during the ongoing international crisis.
Appeal to Reduce Foreign Travel and Luxury Spending
The prime minister expressed concern over the growing trend among India’s middle class to spend heavily on foreign weddings, overseas vacations, and international travel.
“During this crisis, we should postpone foreign travel for at least a year,” Modi stated, adding that citizens should also avoid purchasing gold during the festive season in an effort to protect the country’s foreign currency reserves.
Push for Fuel Conservation and Public Transport
Highlighting the rising burden of imported fuel costs, Modi urged people to use gasoline, diesel, and gas responsibly.
“Gasoline, diesel, and gas must be used with great restraint. We import these energy resources from abroad, so we must strive to use only the necessary amounts,” he said.
The Indian leader also encouraged wider use of public transportation systems, including metro services, railways, and carpooling initiatives, to reduce fuel consumption and economic pressure caused by energy imports.
“Use the metro where it exists, organize carpooling on the same route, and use rail for freight transportation. All this will reduce dependence on gasoline and diesel, and therefore dependence on foreign currency,” Modi added.
Concluding his remarks, Modi stressed that national interest must remain the top priority during periods of global instability triggered by conflicts in West Asia.
BY: The Times Union
