Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to make significant changes in their consumption habits to help the country withstand the global economic upheaval caused by the Iran war. In a public address, Modi urged Indians to reduce gold purchases, limit foreign travel, and cut fuel usage to conserve foreign exchange reserves.

The appeal has drawn sharp criticism from the jewelry industry, which employs over 10 million people. Rajesh Rokde, chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council, warned that any restriction on gold jewelry purchases could directly impact livelihoods and the sector's 7% contribution to India's GDP. He noted that while discouraging gold investment might be acceptable, limiting jewelry purchases would be detrimental.

Opposition parties have denounced Modi's appeal as an admission of policy failure. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called it "proof of failure," accusing the government of shifting responsibility onto the public. Other opposition figures, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, questioned the timing and necessity of the measures, suggesting they were a cover for the government's own shortcomings.

In his speech, Modi encouraged the use of public transport, carpooling, and a return to work-from-home practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also urged families to reduce cooking oil consumption, framing these changes as both patriotic and healthy. "Patriotism is not only about sacrificing one's life on the border; it is about living responsibly," he said.

India, the world's third-largest oil importer, has not yet raised retail fuel prices for consumers, but LPG costs have increased. Analysts question whether these voluntary measures will be sufficient to address the economic pressures from the Iran conflict, as supply chain disruptions continue to impact global markets.

Source: www.dw.com