Against the backdrop of a prolonged Middle East conflict that has upended global energy markets, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a public appeal for nationwide austerity measures to cushion the economic blow of skyrocketing global energy prices. Addressing a gathering in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad on Sunday, Modi outlined a series of voluntary cuts to energy and import-reliant consumption, framing the choices as an act of modern-day patriotism amid an unprecedented national economic challenge.