'Don’t buy gold jewellery for one year' - What is behind PM Modi’s BIG appeal amid West Asia crisis?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, May 10, 2026, urged citizens to avoid buying gold jewellery for one year to help conserve foreign exchange reserves amid rising economic pressures and global uncertainties.

Speaking at a rally in Hyderabad, PM Modi said, "there was a time when, during a crisis or war, people would donate gold for the country. Today, there is no need for donations. But for the nation, we must decide that for one year, we will not buy gold jewellery at any function or event. We will not buy gold. To save foreign currency, our patriotism is being challenged. We must accept this challenge and help save foreign exchange."

Calling it a test of patriotism, he said collective public participation could strengthen the country’s financial stability during challenging times.

The Prime Minister also urged citizens to cut down on fuel consumption, prefer public transport and avoid unnecessary foreign travel amid the ongoing economic and energy challenges. Stressing the need to conserve foreign exchange, he also called for greater use of work from home, video conferencing and carpooling practices.

He said, "use petrol and diesel judiciously and reduce unnecessary fuel consumption. In cities with metro connectivity, people should prefer public transport. If travelling by car is unavoidable, carpooling should be encouraged instead of driving alone."

"There is also a need to revive practices such as work from home, video conferencing and online meetings. Amid the current crisis, conserving foreign exchange must remain a priority," PM Modi said, adding, "the trend of destination weddings and foreign vacations among the middle class has also been rising. During this period, overseas travel should be avoided or postponed for at least a year."

On the impact of West Asia conflict, he said, "when the supply chain continues to be in crisis, no matter what measures we take, the difficulties only increase. Therefore, now we must fight unitedly, keeping the country and Mother India first. We must remember that patriotism is not just about dying for the country. Living for the country and fulfilling our duties to the country is also patriotism."