Giving people fruits of modern economy: Modi

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that his government is giving the people of India the fruits of a modern economy.

"We are eradicating poverty by giving our people the fruits of modern economy such as universal access to banks and insurance, not just tie them down to endless programmes," he said as he made his by-now trademark address to the Indian diaspora on the second day of his visit to Malaysia.

As over 15,000 people of Indian origin chanted "Modi, Modi" at the Malaysian International Exhibition and Convention Centre here, the prime minister acknowledged the large proportion of people of Tamil majority among the Indian diaspora in this southeast Asian nation by starting with the greeting, "Vanakkam".

"Where in the world will 190 million bank accounts be opened in a few months?" he asked.

He said his government is creating an enterprise that flourished and people have the opportunity to raise their income levels.

"We are creating infrastructure that gives people their basic needs of roof, water, sanitation, electricity, schools, and medical help within their reach and means," Modi said.

"We are facilitating business. And, we are creating a national digital infrastructure that allows ideas, information, communication, business and innovation to flow freely on the cyber space."

A cultural extravaganza showcasing the best of Indian and Malaysian talent preceded Modi's speech.

The event was organised by the Welcome Partners, comprising Indian expatriates and around 90 cultural and community organisations from across the country.

Of the nearly 30 million population of Malaysia, around two million people are of Indian origin.

Modi, who reached Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, attended the 13th Asean-India Summit and the 10th East Asia Summit.

IANS