Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned about the growing global economic crisis while speaking at a community event in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands. Referring to the coronavirus pandemic, wars, and energy shortages, he said the world could face serious economic problems if the situation does not improve soon.
Later, actor-turned-politician Hema Malini supported the Prime Minister’s appeal and asked people to stay united and careful during this difficult time. In a post on X, the BJP MP from Mathura said India must once again come together to face the global economic challenges.
Also Read | Where does India store its strategic oil reserves? Here are 4 underground caverns
Why did PM Modi say the world could face another poverty crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday warned about the condition of the global economy while speaking at a community event in The Hague during his visit to the Netherlands, which is the second part of his five-nation tour.
According to a Hindustan Times report, he said, “First came the coronavirus pandemic, then wars began to erupt, and now the world is facing an energy crisis. This decade is increasingly turning into a decade of disasters for the world. We can all see that if these conditions are not changed swiftly, the achievements of many past decades could be undone. A very large section of the world’s population could once again be pushed into the quagmire of poverty,”.
Hema Malini calls for unity
Hema Malini shared a message on X recalling how the country united during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wrote, “Just a gentle reminder about the way the whole nation rallied behind the PM during those terrible Covid days! We fought the pandemic as a single force and came out strong and united as compared to other countries that collapsed under the strain!"
She further added, "The same kind of unity is required now. We need to fight the economic collapse that is threatening the whole world and emerge as a strong nation that hasn’t buckled under the pressure and tension.”
Also Read | Starbucks plans first India corporate office amid tech expansion push
Just a gentle reminder about the way the whole nation rallied behind the PM during those terrible Covid days! We fought the pandemic as a single force and came out strong and united as compared to other countries that collapsed under the strain! The same kind of unity is required
— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) May 17, 2026
Why did PM Modi urge Indians to adopt austerity measures
The remarks came at a time when there are growing economic concerns in India, West Asia, and many other parts of the world. A few days before starting his European tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking in Hyderabad, asked people to follow voluntary austerity measures. He urged citizens to work from home whenever possible, avoid unnecessary foreign travel, and reduce gold purchases.
According to a Hindustan Times report, he described saving fuel and foreign exchange as an act of “patriotism”. He also encouraged people to use public transport, do carpooling, and reduce fertiliser use. “We must make efforts to use only as much as is needed to save foreign currency and reduce the adverse effects of war crises,” he said.
