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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made seven key appeals to citizens, urging them to adopt more responsible and self-reliant habits amid growing global economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a message centred on the theme “Nation First, Duty Above Comfort”, the Prime Minister called on people to reduce unnecessary consumption, save foreign exchange, and strengthen India’s economic resilience during difficult conditions.
The appeals come at a time when tensions in West Asia have affected global supply chains and energy markets. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil shipments — has sharply increased crude oil prices and added pressure on import-dependent economies like India.
The Indian rupee has also weakened significantly, reportedly touching the 95-mark against the US dollar, making imports more expensive and putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Crude oil prices, which were around $105 per barrel, have even crossed the $120 mark at certain points during the conflict.
Addressing a rally organised by the BJP in Hyderabad a day earlier, PM Modi had stressed the need for conserving fuel and reducing import dependence through behavioural changes and greater use of domestic alternatives.
1. Prioritise work from home wherever possible: The PM encouraged companies and employees to adopt work-from-home practices when feasible in order to reduce daily fuel consumption and traffic congestion.
2. Avoid buying gold for one year: PM Modi appealed to citizens to reduce gold purchases temporarily. India imports more than 90 per cent of its gold requirement and buys nearly 700 to 800 tonnes annually, making gold imports a major burden on foreign exchange reserves.
3. Reduce petrol and diesel consumption: He advised citizens to use public transport, metro rail services, carpooling, and electric vehicles to reduce fuel demand. India imports nearly 80 per cent of its crude oil requirement, much of it from the Gulf region.
4. Cut down the use of cooking oil: The Prime Minister also urged people to reduce unnecessary cooking oil consumption, as edible oil imports significantly impact the import bill.
5. Move towards natural farming: PM Modi asked farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt natural farming methods to lower import costs and improve sustainability.
6. Adopt Swadeshi products: Citizens were encouraged to use fewer foreign-branded products and support Indian-made goods to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
7. Avoid foreign travel for one year: The PM urged people to avoid non-essential foreign travel for a year to help conserve valuable foreign exchange during the ongoing global uncertainty.
The Prime Minister framed these appeals as a collective national duty, emphasising that individual choices can have a meaningful impact on India's economic resilience.
With global uncertainty showing no sign of easing — and US President Donald Trump having rejected Iran's response to peace proposal — the pressure on India's economy is unlikely to subside quickly.
In a message centred on the theme “Nation First, Duty Above Comfort”, the Prime Minister called on people to reduce unnecessary consumption, save foreign exchange, and strengthen India’s economic resilience during difficult conditions.
The appeals come at a time when tensions in West Asia have affected global supply chains and energy markets. The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for global oil shipments — has sharply increased crude oil prices and added pressure on import-dependent economies like India.
Nation First Duty Above Comfort!
PM @narendramodi gave 7 important appeals to strengthen India during challenging global times prioritize work from home wherever possible, reduce fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel for a year, adopt Swadeshi products, cut down cooking oil… pic.twitter.com/jhDGYTarH6
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) May 10, 2026
The Indian rupee has also weakened significantly, reportedly touching the 95-mark against the US dollar, making imports more expensive and putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Crude oil prices, which were around $105 per barrel, have even crossed the $120 mark at certain points during the conflict.
Addressing a rally organised by the BJP in Hyderabad a day earlier, PM Modi had stressed the need for conserving fuel and reducing import dependence through behavioural changes and greater use of domestic alternatives.
PM Modi’s 7 appeals to the nation
1. Prioritise work from home wherever possible: The PM encouraged companies and employees to adopt work-from-home practices when feasible in order to reduce daily fuel consumption and traffic congestion.
2. Avoid buying gold for one year: PM Modi appealed to citizens to reduce gold purchases temporarily. India imports more than 90 per cent of its gold requirement and buys nearly 700 to 800 tonnes annually, making gold imports a major burden on foreign exchange reserves.
3. Reduce petrol and diesel consumption: He advised citizens to use public transport, metro rail services, carpooling, and electric vehicles to reduce fuel demand. India imports nearly 80 per cent of its crude oil requirement, much of it from the Gulf region.
4. Cut down the use of cooking oil: The Prime Minister also urged people to reduce unnecessary cooking oil consumption, as edible oil imports significantly impact the import bill.
5. Move towards natural farming: PM Modi asked farmers to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and adopt natural farming methods to lower import costs and improve sustainability.
6. Adopt Swadeshi products: Citizens were encouraged to use fewer foreign-branded products and support Indian-made goods to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
7. Avoid foreign travel for one year: The PM urged people to avoid non-essential foreign travel for a year to help conserve valuable foreign exchange during the ongoing global uncertainty.
The Prime Minister framed these appeals as a collective national duty, emphasising that individual choices can have a meaningful impact on India's economic resilience.
With global uncertainty showing no sign of easing — and US President Donald Trump having rejected Iran's response to peace proposal — the pressure on India's economy is unlikely to subside quickly.
