Modi Urges Indians to Work From Home, Limit Foreign Travel Amid Iran War Oil Price Surge
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the nation to re-embrace working from home and curtail non-essential foreign travel. The measures are intended to mitigate the economic impact of soaring global energy prices, a direct consequence of the continuing US and Israeli aggression against Iran.
Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad, Modi stated these austerity steps, reminiscent of the COVID-19 lockdown period, would help reduce India's substantial fuel imports and conserve foreign exchange. India procures 90% of its oil, and its crude oil expenditure has escalated by billions since the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran in February. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime choke point, has remained closed for over two months, exacerbating supply issues.
Modi framed these actions as a matter of national duty: "Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one's life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives." He further emphasised the critical need to preserve foreign exchange given the current geopolitical landscape.
His proposals also included greater reliance on public transport and carpooling to conserve fuel, alongside a call for farmers to halve their fertiliser usage. Following Modi's remarks, India's benchmark Sensex index saw a fall of over 1,000 points in early trading, reflecting investor concerns over potential prolonged economic disruption.
The protracted conflict and interruptions to oil shipments are placing considerable strain on India's broader economy. Industries reliant on glass, plastic, and tile manufacturing are reporting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk. Reduced fertiliser availability threatens agricultural output and could lead to higher food prices. The Indian rupee has also depreciated significantly, reaching record lows and increasing import costs, which contributes to inflationary pressures.
Opposition figures have criticised Modi's proposals, with Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi asserting that the government is deflecting its own accountability onto the populace. Gandhi stated on social media that Modi's suggestions were not merely sermons, but rather "proofs of failure" in federal planning.
