India is no stranger to austerity measures. Every time the country needs to tighten its belt, leaders seize the opportunity to present themselves as making sacrifices and sharing in the hardships of ordinary citizens
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to defer gold purchases and conserve foreign exchange amid the escalating West Asia crisis, he was following a template set by successive prime ministers and finance ministers over decades.
Since Independence, India’s political leadership has repeatedly called on citizens to embrace austerity during global crises. Each time, those in power have also attempted to set an example — sometimes successfully, but often becoming a source of memes.
Since Independence, India’s political leadership has repeatedly called on citizens to embrace austerity during global crises. Each time, those in power have also attempted to set an example — sometimes successfully, but often becoming a source of memes.