Iran: Prime Minister Modi tells Indians to keep expenses minimal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday made a rare public appeal for nation as the Iran war and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz triggered fears of an energy and import shock for India.

He called on states and citizens to voluntarily reduce consumption.

Modi urged wider adoption of work-from-home, fewer non-essential trips, lower fuel use, and restraint in purchases of imported commodities like gold.

The appeal has already begun to translate into action. The Centre raised import duty on gold and silver to 15 per cent, pushing prices higher as part of efforts to curb imports and protect foreign exchange reserves.

The rupee has also come under pressure amid rising oil costs. The signal is being reinforced symbolically from the top.

The Prime Minister has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in the size of his official convoy and directed greater use of electric vehicles.

Several states, too, are beginning to respond, aligning with the Centre’s call to conserve fuel and essential imports as the external crisis deepens.