Modi Urges Postponing Foreign Travel, Weddings for Forex

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens on Sunday and Monday to postpone foreign travel and destination weddings abroad for at least a year, aiming to conserve foreign exchange amid economic pressures from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Speaking in Secunderabad, Telangana, on Sunday, Modi highlighted the growing trend among the middle class of overseas vacations and lavish weddings, which contribute to significant currency outflows. "The culture of weddings abroad, travelling abroad, and vacationing abroad is becoming prevalent among the middle class. We must decide that during this time of crisis, we should postpone travelling abroad for at least a year," he said. He suggested exploring domestic destinations instead, noting India's many attractive sites for vacations and events that teach children about the nation's history.

On Monday in Vadodara, Gujarat, Modi reiterated the appeal, specifically promoting the Statue of Unity as an ideal wedding venue. "You should now make it a point to hold your weddings right at the Statue of Unity. At every single one of your weddings held there, Sardar Sahab himself will be present to shower you with his abundant blessings,"...