Modi urges return to pandemic-era restrictions amid Middle East crisis
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for reinstating practices adopted during the coronavirus pandemic - such as remote work and virtual meetings - citing the need to conserve foreign currency and reduce dependence on energy imports, Qazinform News Agency learned from TASS.
"During the coronavirus pandemic, we worked from home, held virtual meetings, and video conferences. We became accustomed to this. The need of the hour is to return to these methods," he said, speaking in Hyderabad.
Modi also said that Indian citizens should reconsider their consumption habits.
"Among the middle class, the culture of foreign weddings, trips abroad, and vacations abroad is becoming widespread. We must decide that during this crisis, we should postpone foreign travel for at least a year," he noted.
He urged citizens to refrain from purchasing gold during the holidays for a year.
He emphasized fuel economy, calling for restrained use of gasoline, diesel, and gas, and greater reliance on public transport, metro systems, carpooling, and rail freight.
"Use the metro where it exists, organize carpooling on the same route, and use rail for freight transportation. All this will reduce dependence on gasoline and diesel, and therefore dependence on foreign currency," Modi said.
'During a global crisis like the one caused by the conflict in West Asia, we must make decisions that put the country first," the Indian prime minister concluded.
Earlier, India announced a plan to reach US$2 trillion in total exports by 2030-31.
