What you need to know:
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly cut the number of cars in his convoy for recent domestic trips.
– Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other senior officials have also ordered reductions in official vehicle use.
– Separately, India raised gold and silver import tariffs and Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister Vijay won a confidence vote.
Date: May 13, 2026
Summary
India moved on several fronts on May 13 as leaders responded to pressure on foreign exchange reserves and rising energy costs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly reduced the size of his official convoy and asked that electric vehicles be used where possible. The move follows a public appeal in which he urged citizens to adopt austerity measures — cutting travel, curbing gold purchases and conserving fuel — amid global supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.
Modi trims convoy after austerity appeal
Indian news agencies ANI and PTI reported that Modi has scaled back the number of vehicles that accompany him on domestic engagements, with the change noted on recent visits to Gujarat and Assam. The reductions were implemented after his seven-point public appeal urging Indians to prioritise national needs over comfort and to conserve fuel and foreign exchange. Reports say Modi also requested that electric vehicles be used in his convoy where available, without purchasing new cars specifically for that purpose.
The austerity push prompted similar measures elsewhere in government. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta instructed ministers, MLAs and departments to limit official vehicle use and prioritise carpooling and public transport. Home Minister Amit Shah’s convoy was also reported to have been trimmed.
Fuel prices and possible increases
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra, speaking at a conference in Switzerland, said India may have to raise retail fuel prices if high oil prices persist. Bloomberg reported his comments, noting that while the government has so far reduced fuel taxes and state-run retailers have absorbed some costs, sustained global disruptions could force price adjustments. Refiners have already raised prices for commercial gas cylinders and jet fuel supplied to foreign airlines.
Tariff hike on gold and silver to protect reserves
In an effort to curb capital outflows and protect foreign exchange reserves, the Indian government raised import duties on gold and silver from 6% to 15%. The move follows Modi’s appeal for reduced spending on fuel, travel and gold. Gold is India’s second-largest import after crude oil; in the year ending March 31, gold imports rose about 24% to roughly $72 billion. Officials hope higher tariffs will dampen demand for the metal as the rupee has weakened against the dollar — falling about 6% so far in 2026 — amid higher energy import bills tied to the Iran conflict.
Tamil Nadu: Vijay secures confidence vote
In state politics, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government survived a confidence vote in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. In the 234-member house, 144 legislators voted in favor of the government, 22 opposed the motion and five abstained. TVK emerged as the single largest party in the April 23 state election with 108 seats but initially fell short of an outright majority; support from allies and some cross-voting allowed the party to form government. Vijay — who launched TVK in 2024 and was sworn in last weekend — hailed the result and described his administration as representing ordinary citizens.
Context and reactions
Modi’s call for lifestyle adjustments — including reduced foreign travel, postponing gold purchases, cutting cooking oil use and lowering fertilizer dependence — has drawn both support and criticism. Supporters describe the measures as necessary stewardship of national resources in a difficult global environment. Critics have questioned the optics of austerity calls after high-profile roadshows and public events.
What to watch next
– Whether India raises retail fuel prices if international oil prices remain elevated.
– The impact of higher gold and silver import duties on consumer demand and the trade balance.
– How other state and central officials adjust official transport and discretionary spending in response to Modi’s appeal.
This roundup covers the main developments in India on May 13, 2026.