‘Truce still far away’: Ashwini Vaishnaw echoes PM Modi’s call to citizens for fuel cuts, WFH amid West Asia war

As the West Asia war continues to brew, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday warned that global tensions will cast a long shadow over economies worldwide, saying “the truce is still far away." The union minister, therefore, urged citizens to actively support the Centre's efforts to navigate the crisis.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Vaishnaw said India is living through “very turbulent times” despite not being directly responsible for the conflicts reshaping the global economy.

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“Truce is still far away, looking difficult, thats why it is important that we as citizens play our role in this entire effort. I request all of you to take cognizance of PM's call to the nation. Try to do whatever best you can within your own houses and businesses,” Vaishnaw said.

A day before Vaishnaw’s remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi implored citizens to adopt fuel-saving and cost-cutting measures amid fears that the escalating West Asia conflict could disrupt global energy supplies and supply chains for a prolonged period.

Speaking in Secunderabad, the prime minister had called for a revival of work-from-home practices, online meetings and reduced non-essential foreign travel for at least a year to conserve fuel and foreign exchange reserves. He also encouraged greater use of public transport, carpooling and electric vehicles.

Echoing the PM’s concerns, Vaishnaw said India remains vulnerable because of its heavy dependence on imported energy financed through forex reserves.


“We are living in very turbulent times for no fault of ours. We are impact by war because we have a large energy import infra which has to be met through forex reserves. Thats why PM has given this call,” he said.

The union minister also noted that several countries had already declared energy emergencies amid the ongoing geopolitical turmoil, but said India had managed to maintain stability because of “very well thought-out policies” implemented by the government over the years.

"There are other countries where energy emergency has been proclaimed. But we have been able to maintain it so far because of very well thoughtfully implemented policies by the government," he added.