PM Modi Urges Austerity: Use Public Transport, Delay Gold Buying Amid West Asia Crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt austerity measures due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. He called for reduced fuel consumption, greater use of public transport and electric vehicles, and postponing gold purchases for a year. Speaking in Vadodara after inaugurating a community-built hostel, Modi emphasized preparing India to face economic impacts from global instability linked to the West Asia conflict.

Modi stated that citizens have always supported the nation during difficult times and appealed for similar cooperation now. He stressed cutting unnecessary spending involving foreign currency, especially imports. He encouraged reviving work-from-home practices and avoiding non-essential foreign travel to conserve foreign exchange reserves.

A major focus of his appeal was reducing gold imports, which strain India’s foreign exchange reserves. India is a top gold importer and relies heavily on West Asia for crude oil and LPG. Modi asked citizens to defer gold purchases amid current global uncertainty.

This was Modi’s second consecutive day addressing austerity, having first raised the issue in Telangana on Sunday. Opposition leaders questioned if the government anticipates larger economic challenges from rising global tensions. The government maintains the appeal is a precautionary step to strengthen economic resilience and reduce import dependence during uncertain times.