Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 10, 2026 urged Indians to adopt immediate lifestyle and consumption changes to shield the economy and foreign exchange reserves from the fallout of the escalating West Asia conflict. Speaking at a rally in Secunderabad, Telangana, he asked citizens to “place the country above all else” and “take resolutions” such as reviving work-from-home practices, cutting unnecessary foreign travel and avoiding non-essential gold purchases for a year to reduce forex outflows.
Modi said patriotism extended beyond battlefield sacrifice, arguing it also means “living responsibly and fulfilling duties toward the nation during difficult periods.” He highlighted several practical steps households and businesses could take: reduce petrol and diesel use by shifting to metros and other public transport, car-pooling, and preferring railways for goods movement; expand electric vehicle adoption to curb fuel imports; and bring back pandemic-era efficiencies like remote work, online conferences and virtual meetings where feasible.
To lower import dependence he appealed to citizens to avoid overseas vacations and destination weddings abroad and instead opt for domestic tourism. He urged families to postpone non-essential gold purchases for one year, noting that gold imports consume large amounts of foreign currency. Modi also called for reduced edible-oil consumption at home, saying even small household changes would help the country’s economic health.
On industry and manufacturing, the prime minister pushed for greater use of Made-in-India products, asking people to prioritise locally made shoes, bags and accessories. Addressing farmers, he recommended cutting chemical fertiliser use by 50 percent over time and gradually shifting toward natural farming to protect soil and reduce import bills. He also promoted solar-powered irrigation pumps in place of diesel-driven systems as part of broader energy-saving measures.
Alongside these economic appeals, Modi took aim at political opponents, saying “People of West Bengal defeated the dictatorial model” and suggesting a similar desire for change in Telangana. He recalled Telangana’s early support for the BJP, noting the state had elected one of the party’s earliest MPs when it had only two members in Parliament.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/pm-modi-urges-people-to-help-save-foreign-exchange-to-overcome-global-war-impact-14009693.html
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-05-10 23:49:00
