New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indian community in Paris, said India has made significant progress in its fight against poverty, with nearly 250 million people moving out of poverty in recent years.
Modi said his visit to France comes at a time when India and France are marking 12 years of their strategic partnership. He noted that bilateral relations have continued to strengthen, with both countries expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister described serving the nation for the past 12 years as a privilege and said India’s democracy enables people from humble backgrounds to rise to the highest offices. He remarked that the country’s democratic system had allowed a former tea seller to become Prime Minister.
Modi said India’s development story is no longer reflected only through economic indicators but is increasingly visible in the lives of ordinary citizens. He stated that lifting around 250 million people out of poverty represents one of the largest socio-economic transformations in modern history.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, the Prime Minister said India has undertaken large-scale housing programmes for economically weaker sections. He added that the government remains focused on ensuring access to housing, electricity, clean water and other basic services for all citizens.
Modi also emphasized the importance of the India-France partnership, saying the two nations continue to work closely in areas including trade, technology, defence, innovation and global cooperation.
