Narendra Modi called upon Indian citizens to embrace austerity measures and modify their consumption patterns, prompted by considerable economic pressures arising from global geopolitical tensions.
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Prof Mithilesh Kumar Sinha
On May 11, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon Indian citizens to embrace austerity measures and modify their consumption patterns, prompted by considerable economic pressures arising from global geopolitical tensions. The key economic factors behind this urgent request include declining reserves, rupee pressure, rising oil prices, gold import burden, edible oil and fertilizer costs, reducing non-essential expenditures, decreasing fuel demand, reviving work-from-home (WFH), postponing foreign travel and cutting down on chemical fertilizer usage by 50%.
India's forex reserves have decreased to approximately $691 billion, down from higher levels earlier in 2026, due to significant global uncertainty. Elevated import volumes, coupled with the increasing costs of those imports, have exerted substantial pressure on the Indian rupee, diminishing its value against the US dollar. This appeal seeks to mitigate the dollar outflow resulting from the importation of goods such as gold and oil, thereby safeguarding the rupee and enhancing India's overall economic resilience.
The US-Iran conflict has disrupted supplies, causing global crude oil prices to soar, frequently exceeding $100-$113 per barrel, which has a severe impact on India, as it imports over 88% of its oil requirements. In FY26, India imported approximately $72 billion worth of gold, marking a 24% increase and placing a significant strain on the trade deficit. Modi has requested a one-year suspension on non-essential gold purchases (for weddings/festivals) to alleviate this burden. The escalating costs of imported edible oil ($19.5 billion in FY26) and chemical fertilizers (due to rising natural gas prices) are exacerbating the trade deficit. The government is promoting a transition to "swadeshi" (locally produced) products to lessen dependence on foreign imports.
Citizens are encouraged to lower fuel consumption by utilising public transportation, carpooling, and transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). In a manner reminiscent of the measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, Modi has proposed the adoption of WFH, online meetings, and virtual conferencing to minimise daily fuel consumption associated with commuting. Citizens are urged to refrain from unnecessary foreign travel and destination weddings in order to prevent foreign exchange from exiting the country. The overarching strategy is characterised as a "national effort" aimed at addressing global economic instability through minor, collective lifestyle adjustments that, when combined, contribute to a reduction in the national import bill.
These initiatives were framed as a "civic Satyagraha" and a "national duty" to navigate through global uncertainties and bolster the Indian economy. This request aims to stabilise the Indian economy, lessen dependence on imported gold, and manage elevated fuel prices amidst global instability.
The nation’s trade deficit is expected to "rise significantly" in the upcoming financial year concluding in March 2027. The rupee has also faced pressure and is trading close to an all-time low against the dollar To keep it manageable, there will need to be a sharing of the burden between the government, through fiscal absorption, and households and businesses. There is dire need of hour for Indian citizens to embrace "responsible living" and conserve resources. Now question arises this call is meant for only common people or for ministers and MLAs and bureaucrats also because legislators use a huge number of vehicles for showcasing.
(The writer is a retired professor of Nagaland University, Lumami)