Narendra Modi Cuts Motorcade Size

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the size of his motorcade to save fuel, following his appeal to citizens of India to adopt austerity measures. This move comes amidst a surge in global energy prices, triggered by the war involving Iran, United States, and Israel, which has put pressure on India's foreign exchange reserves. Narendra Modi urged citizens to avoid unnecessary foreign travel, use public transport, reduce gold purchases, and cut cooking oil use. The reduction in his motorcade, which previously had about a dozen vehicles, was done in line with the protocol of the ARK Protection Group. Narendra Modi has also requested the inclusion of electric vehicles in his motorcade where feasible, without making new purchases. India, as the world's third-biggest oil importer, relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for crude supplies, and higher oil prices threaten to widen its current account deficit, hurt growth, and stoke inflation.