Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to adopt responsible lifestyle choices to help India deal with growing global economic uncertainty, rising fuel prices and disruptions in international supply chains caused by conflicts in the Middle East.
Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister said patriotism today is not limited to protecting the nation at the borders, but also includes making conscious decisions in daily life that strengthen the country’s economy and reduce pressure on national resources.
He appealed to people to reduce unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel by using public transport systems such as metros and buses wherever possible. He also encouraged car-pooling, greater use of railways for goods transportation and faster adoption of electric vehicles to cut dependence on imported fuel.
Referring to the economic challenges created by ongoing international tensions, PM Modi said India must collectively work towards conserving foreign exchange reserves and reducing avoidable imports. He suggested reviving several efficiency-driven practices seen during the Covid-19 period, including work-from-home arrangements, online meetings and virtual conferences, wherever practical.
The Prime Minister also advised citizens to avoid non-essential foreign travel and destination weddings abroad for the time being. He stressed that promoting domestic tourism and celebrating important occasions within the country would help strengthen the Indian economy.
In a major appeal related to imports, PM Modi urged people to avoid unnecessary gold purchases for one year, saying it would help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He further encouraged citizens to prioritise Made-in-India products and support locally manufactured goods, including everyday items such as footwear, bags and accessories.
Speaking about household consumption habits, he called on families to reduce edible oil usage, saying it would not only support the economy but also improve personal health.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of farmers in national economic stability. He urged the agricultural sector to reduce the use of chemical fertilisers by nearly 50 per cent and adopt more sustainable practices, including the use of solar-powered irrigation pumps instead of diesel-operated equipment.
His remarks came at a time when global oil markets remain under pressure due to tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in major shipping routes. Rising crude oil prices and increasing transportation costs have raised concerns across several economies, including India, which imports a large portion of its energy requirements.
PM Modi said every citizen has a role to play in helping the country remain economically strong during uncertain global conditions and called for a spirit of collective responsibility in the national interest.
