Economy – Modi Calls for Reduced Imports Amid Rising Global Tensions
Economy – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to adopt cost-saving habits and support local industries as India faces economic pressure from the continuing conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at a public gathering at Parade Ground in Secunderabad, the prime minister said the international situation had affected fuel supplies and increased the prices of petrol and fertilisers. He stated that global disruptions were placing additional pressure on supply chains despite the government’s efforts to manage the situation effectively.
Appeal to Save Foreign Exchange Reserves
Modi called on citizens to contribute to protecting the country’s foreign exchange reserves by limiting unnecessary spending on imported goods and overseas travel. He advised people to avoid purchasing gold for ceremonial occasions over the next year, recalling how earlier generations had contributed gold during difficult periods in India’s history.
He clarified that there was no need for donations now, but suggested that temporarily reducing gold purchases could help lower import-related financial pressure on the economy.
Focus on Fuel Conservation Measures
The prime minister also stressed the importance of reducing fuel consumption. He encouraged people in cities with Metro rail systems to make greater use of public transportation instead of private vehicles. Modi additionally promoted carpooling, rail transport for cargo movement and wider adoption of electric vehicles.
According to him, lowering dependence on imported petroleum products would help India manage economic challenges linked to rising global oil prices.
While virtually inaugurating and laying foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹9,400 crore in Telangana earlier in the day, Modi said imported fuel products should only be used when necessary. He noted that controlled fuel usage could reduce the economic impact of international conflicts on India.
Revival of Work-From-Home Practices
Referring to systems introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi suggested that companies and institutions should once again encourage work-from-home arrangements, virtual meetings and video conferencing wherever possible.
He said these practices had previously helped reduce travel and fuel usage while maintaining productivity. Reintroducing such measures, he added, could contribute to energy conservation during the present global uncertainty.
Advice on Cooking Oil and Organic Farming
The prime minister also repeated his appeal for households to reduce edible oil consumption by at least 10 percent. He said the move would benefit both public health and the national economy during challenging times.
In agriculture, Modi encouraged farmers to lower their dependence on chemical fertilisers and gradually move towards organic farming methods. He stated that even a partial reduction in chemical fertiliser use could support sustainable farming and reduce import dependence.
Push for Local Products and Domestic Tourism
Highlighting the government’s “Vocal for Local” campaign, Modi urged citizens to prefer products made in India instead of imported alternatives. He clarified that he was not asking people to discard foreign-made goods already in use, but requested consumers to prioritise Indian products in future purchases.
The prime minister also advised middle-class families to reconsider international vacations for the time being. He said India offered numerous tourism destinations and encouraging domestic travel would help conserve foreign exchange reserves.
Political Remarks in Telangana
During his address, Modi also made several political comments related to Telangana and recent election outcomes in different states. He expressed confidence that the BJP would eventually form the government in Telangana, citing the party’s recent electoral performances in other regions.
He referred to the BJP’s victories in states and Union Territories including West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry as signs of increasing public trust in the party’s governance model.
The prime minister criticised Congress governments in Telangana, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, alleging that election promises made by the party had not been fulfilled after coming to power.
Comments on Maoism and Self-Reliance
Addressing internal security concerns, Modi said Telangana had suffered from Maoist violence for several years but claimed the situation was gradually improving. He stated that stronger coordination between the state police and the Centre could help eliminate extremist activities completely.
He also emphasised the importance of building an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and reducing India’s dependence on imports. Modi pointed to the decline of domestic copper production as an example of why self-reliance in strategic sectors remained important for the country’s long-term economic growth.