PM Modi Calls for Covid-Era Restraints to Tackle Global Disruptions: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a nationwide effort to reduce India’s dependence on imported fuel and conserve foreign exchange reserves amid rising global uncertainties linked to the conflict in West Asia, according to report by The Indian Express.

Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad, Modi urged citizens to adopt lifestyle and consumption changes similar to those seen during the Covid-19 pandemic period. He appealed to people to increase the use of public transport and electric vehicles, revive work-from-home and virtual meeting practices, reduce unnecessary foreign travel, and avoid purchasing gold for a year.

“Use metros wherever metros are available. Use carpooling to go to places, and use the Railways if you have to transport goods,” Modi said, adding that such measures would help cut India’s dependence on petrol and diesel imports and lower pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

Referring to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Prime Minister said the country must act collectively during periods of global crisis and “take resolutions, keeping the country above all else.”

Modi also stressed the importance of reviving behavioural changes adopted during the pandemic, including remote working arrangements and video conferencing, saying the country had already become accustomed to such practices during the coronavirus outbreak., the report said.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend among the middle class towards overseas weddings, holidays and discretionary spending abroad. He appealed to citizens to postpone foreign travel for at least a year in view of the current global situation. He similarly urged people to avoid buying gold during festivals for one year as part of efforts to conserve foreign exchange.

The report said, on the issue of household consumption, Modi reiterated his appeal to reduce edible oil usage by 10%, saying the move would both support national interests and improve family health outcomes.

The Prime Minister also renewed his push for self-reliance and domestic manufacturing under the “vocal for local” campaign that was promoted during the pandemic period. He urged citizens to identify foreign-made products in their daily consumption basket and gradually shift towards locally manufactured alternatives.

In the agriculture sector, Modi called for reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers and greater adoption of natural farming practices to strengthen India’s self-reliance and reduce import dependency.