Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon citizens to actively participate in strengthening the nation amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global economic uncertainty. Addressing a public function in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister made seven key appeals aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imports and promoting self-reliance.
Highlighting the impact of escalating tensions in West Asia on global energy markets, Modi urged people to conserve foreign exchange reserves by cutting down on imported fuel consumption. He encouraged greater use of public transport, carpooling, and other fuel-saving measures. His remarks come as crude oil prices continue to remain above 100 US dollars per barrel following disruptions linked to the crisis and the continuing deadlock in the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices had surged to a 52-week high of 126 US dollars per barrel late last month.
The Prime Minister also appealed to citizens to reconsider discretionary spending and avoid unnecessary foreign travel for at least a year. He suggested reducing foreign expenditure by limiting destination weddings abroad and curbing excessive gold purchases temporarily.
In another appeal, Modi called for the revival of work-from-home practices wherever feasible to help reduce fuel consumption and ease pressure on resources.
Focusing on food and agriculture, the Prime Minister urged people to reduce edible oil consumption and asked farmers to lessen dependence on imported chemical fertilisers by adopting sustainable alternatives. Emphasising the importance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, he said self-reliance, indigenous production, and organic farming would play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
(Image source : Wikimedia)
