New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly ordered a significant reduction in the size of his official motorcade as part of broader efforts to conserve fuel during the ongoing global energy crisis.
According to government sources, the decision comes just days after Modi publicly urged Indian citizens to adopt austerity measures amid rising oil prices linked to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing Iran conflict.
The move is seen as an attempt to demonstrate leadership by example as India faces increasing economic pressure due to higher global energy costs and uncertainty in fuel supplies.
Officials said Modi’s motorcade was reduced while maintaining essential security arrangements required under the protection protocols of the Special Protection Group.
The Indian prime minister is known to receive the country’s highest level of personal security, and his convoy previously consisted of around a dozen vehicles before the reported changes.
Sources also said Modi requested the inclusion of electric vehicles within the motorcade wherever feasible, although no new vehicles were purchased specifically for the change.
The reduced convoy arrangements were reportedly implemented during recent visits to the Indian states of Gujarat and Assam.
Earlier this week, Modi appealed to citizens to cut unnecessary spending and reduce fuel consumption as global oil prices continue to rise. He encouraged people to use public transport, limit unnecessary foreign travel and reduce non-essential purchases.
The appeal triggered debate on social media, where some critics questioned the large motorcades and travel arrangements typically used by senior politicians in India.
India remains highly vulnerable to global energy disruptions because it is one of the world’s largest oil importers and relies heavily on crude supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Economists warn that sustained high oil prices could increase inflation, weaken economic growth and put further pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves.
While fuel prices in India have not yet risen sharply, analysts say increases in petrol and diesel prices may become unavoidable if tensions in the Middle East continue.
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