WITH NO signs of an immediate end to the conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday again urged government and private offices to revert to ‘Covid-era’ habits such as work-from-home and virtual meetings, and asked citizens to opt for car pooling and reduce fuel consumption.
“If the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest crisis of this century, then the conflict in West Asia is among the biggest crises of this decade,” Modi said addressing a gathering to inaugurate the Patidar community’s Sardardham in Vadodara.
The sharp depletion of foreign exchange reserves since the beginning of the conflict, and the prospects of a worsening current account deficit are becoming big worry points for policymakers now. In Q3 last year i.e., October-December 2025, the deficit had increased to $13.2 billion or 1.3 per cent of GDP compared with $11.3 billion or 1.1 per cent of GDP.
But since the onset of the conflict, forex reserves have plummeted by $38 billion, and the rupee has breached the 95 to a US dollar mark. A sharply lower rupee can potentially erode investor confidence, and further exacerbate the capital account, fear government officials.
It is in this backdrop that the Prime Minister seems to be advocating a series of harsh measures such as avoiding overseas travel and destination weddings, postponing gold purchases, preference for local products, domestic tourism, and use of metros and electric vehicles — all of which are aimed at reducing imports and foreign exchange outgo.
Modi warned that the economic aftereffects of the ongoing tensions could impact India through soaring import prices, disrupted supply chains and mounting pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He asked people to prepare for a period of global uncertainty and repeatedly stressed on “small sacrifices” and “collective responsibility”.
Reiterating the appeals made in Karnataka and Telangana, he said he had “the right over Gujarat” to make “more emphasising points”. Pointing out that gold imports put pressure on foreign exchange reserves, he asked people to “postpone the purchase of gold” until conditions normalise. “Gold is not necessary,” Modi said. He also urged them to reduce cooking oil consumption.
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Stating that prices of imported goods are soaring, and global supply chains have been severely disrupted, the Prime Minister stressed on reducing burden on country’s resources and said, “The government is continuously making efforts to ensure that ordinary citizens are affected as little as possible by these adverse situations… A major portion of India’s imports consists of crude oil, and unfortunately, the regions supplying much of the world’s oil are currently caught in crisis and conflict,” he said.
“Until the situation returns to normal, all of us must together take small but meaningful pledges. I appeal to every citizen: wherever possible, reduce the use of petrol and diesel. Use the metro, electric buses, and public transport more frequently. Promote carpooling. Those who own cars should travel together with more people, and those who own EVs should help others as well… Digital technology has made many things easier today. It is important that both government and private offices prioritise virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements.. I would also request schools to focus more on online classes for some time,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi urged citizens to adopt local products and support entrepreneurs from villages, towns and cities instead of relying on foreign goods. He also criticised the growing trend of foreign vacations and overseas destination weddings, asking, “Are there not enough beautiful places in India where we can celebrate our vacations?” Modi encouraged families to explore India’s own history and heritage, while describing India as the most “beautiful and sacred” place for weddings.
Highlighting Gujarat’s tourism potential, he said the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar had emerged as major tourism centres and could become ideal destination wedding locations. He specifically asked the Patidar families to organise weddings there to “invoke the blessings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who would always be present” at weddings solemnised at Ekta Nagar.
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Emphasising collective action, Modi said, “When 140 crore Indians move forward together, even small efforts become the nation’s greatest strength,” adding that “if every citizen takes one step, the country advances by 140 crore steps.”
At the event, the Patidar community also honoured PM Modi with the ‘Sardar Ratna Award’– gold medal presented by Gajji Sutariya, Govind Dholakia, Bharat Bhagat, Dhanji Makasna, Bhangat Patel, and Jasta Dholakia along with a citation of honor.
“When an award carries the name of Sardar Saheb, your responsibility automatically becomes greater. In a way, Gajjibhai has very cleverly bound me with this responsibility today… I will leave no stone unturned in working to fulfill Sardar Saheb’s dreams,” he said.
