Prime Minister urges citizens to reduce fuel dependency, avoid non-essential foreign travel, and support self-reliance measures during global uncertainty.

As tensions in West Asia continue to impact global markets and fuel prices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for collective public participation to strengthen India’s economic resilience and reduce dependency on foreign resources.

Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad, Telangana, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt sustainable and self-reliant practices, including increased use of public transport, electric vehicles (EVs), work-from-home arrangements, and locally manufactured products.

Focus on Fuel Conservation and Foreign Exchange

Highlighting the economic impact of global conflicts, Modi stressed the importance of reducing petroleum consumption and conserving foreign exchange reserves.

“Use metros wherever they are available. Opt for carpooling and make greater use of railways for transportation. This will help reduce dependence on petrol and diesel,” the Prime Minister said during the rally.

He encouraged people to resume Covid-era practices such as virtual meetings, video conferencing, and remote work wherever possible. According to Modi, these measures can significantly reduce unnecessary travel and fuel usage.

Appeal to Avoid Non-Essential Foreign Travel

The Prime Minister also appealed to the middle class to avoid non-essential foreign travel and overseas vacations for at least one year amid the ongoing global crisis.

“The culture of destination weddings and frequent international travel is growing rapidly. During this period of uncertainty, we should postpone unnecessary foreign trips and focus on national priorities,” he stated.

In addition, Modi urged citizens to avoid purchasing gold during festivals for a year as part of efforts to conserve foreign exchange.

Push for ‘Vocal for Local’

Reiterating his “Vocal for Local” campaign first introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to prioritise Indian-made goods and reduce reliance on imported products.

“Make a list of the items you use daily and identify what is foreign. The aim is not to throw away products but to gradually move towards self-reliance,” he said.

The speech also included a call for reducing cooking oil consumption by 10 percent, citing both health and national economic benefits.

Natural Farming and Sustainable Living

As part of the broader self-reliance vision, Modi urged farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt natural farming practices. He said sustainable agriculture and mindful consumption are essential for India’s long-term economic stability.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when geopolitical tensions in West Asia are raising concerns over global oil supply chains, inflation, and economic uncertainty across multiple countries.

With a renewed focus on self-reliance, sustainability, and domestic production, the Centre appears to be positioning these measures as both an economic strategy and a national responsibility during global instability.