RSS-affiliate backs Modi's austerity push to save India's foreign exchange reserves

RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said Modi's austerity push will help cut India's dependence on imports and save valuable foreign exchange. He described the PM's appeal as a call for 'Swadeshi' (using locally produced goods) and argued that reducing consumption of petrol and diesel will save foreign exchange and help address supply disruptions. He predicted the PM's appeal would influence national mindset and inspire further innovation in alternatives to petroleum, as well as long-term energy self-reliance and domestic manufacturing of clean technologies (EVs, motors and batteries, solar cells, wind energy equipment, green hydrogen, and nuclear energy). He urged citizens, scientists, academics, youth, start-ups and entrepreneurs to join the campaign to reduce foreign dependence and build a self-reliant India.

At a Telangana BJP rally in Hyderabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using metro services, carpooling, greater use of electric vehicles, and utilising railway services for parcel movement, along with working from home to conserve foreign exchange amid the West Asia crisis. He also urged postponing the purchase of gold and foreign travel for one year and promoted swadeshi (domestic) products to save foreign exchange.