Modi among top world leaders: Sushma

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said India's prestige has risen "dramatically" in the global arena in the last one year, catapulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the top leaders of the world.  

"It is no mean achievement that in just one year of his tenure our Prime Minister has emerged as one of the front ranking leaders of the world," Swaraj said.

The Minister added: “PM Modi raised the slogan of ‘no red-tape, only red carpet’ to investors during his foreign tours. He won the confidence of foreign investors and they are willing to start business venture here in future. The first year will make the environment conducive for investors to go for the big step. Next year, we will see huge investment in our country. It will generate tremendous employment opportunities for skilled workers. The skill of youths will be honed under ‘Skill India’ programme.”

On developing cordial relations with neighboring countries as part of the Indian foreign policy, especially with Pakistan, the Minister said, “We are working on three principles. First, peaceful talk on higher levels to crack the nut. Second, there should be no involvement of a third party to negotiate the differences on any issue. The problem is ours and we should solve it mutually. And the last, the sense of bilateral talk loses its essence amidst deafening <g data-gr-id="29">sound</g> of bomb blasts.”   Swaraj also talked about Modi’s visit to China.  

The Minister also listed some of the schemes launched by the NDA government for the poor.