Modi's Bizarre Suggestions Amid Economic and Forex Concerns; Shifts Burden of Economic Crisis Onto People

Hyderabad: Amid growing concerns over economic instability and supply chain disruptions in the country, Narendra Modi has urged citizens to adopt changes in their lifestyle to help ease financial pressures and reduce dependence on imports.

Addressing a public gathering at the Parade Ground in Hyderabad on Sunday, the Prime Minister referred to the rise in global crude oil prices linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia. He called on people to avoid purchasing gold and postpone foreign travel for at least a year in order to conserve foreign exchange reserves.

Modi said reducing gold imports would help ease pressure on the country’s forex reserves and suggested that citizens avoid extravagant overseas celebrations, including destination weddings abroad. He also encouraged people to cut down fuel consumption by reviving work-from-home practices and relying more on online meetings, similar to measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister further urged citizens to increasingly use public transport and transition towards electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce the nation’s fuel dependence. However, he did not announce any major measures related to reducing fuel prices or expanding infrastructure to support the transition.

In another appeal aimed at reducing imports, Modi advised citizens to limit the consumption of edible oils. He also encouraged farmers to reduce chemical fertiliser usage by at least 50 percent and gradually move toward natural farming practices, while noting the financial burden of fertiliser subsidies on the government.

The speech, which lasted around 30 minutes, focused largely on responsible consumption and lifestyle adjustments in the face of global economic challenges. Critics, however, argued that the address lacked concrete measures to tackle rising inflation, currency depreciation, and broader economic pressures affecting ordinary citizens.