New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated on Saturday that 250 million people have moved out of poverty in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. The nation’s middle class currently stands at 440 million and is expected to grow to 750 million by 2030.
Luxon made the remarks at a business and sports event in Auckland. He described the changes as a remarkable shift tied to India’s economic progress over the past ten years.
He noted his long-standing interest in India, recalling a visit in the mid-1990s during his time with Unilever. Luxon highlighted the contrast between past conditions and current developments, calling the transition from low-income to higher-income status inspiring.
He also referenced discussions with Modi on infrastructure, including the construction of 147 airports in a short span and plans for additional aircraft to support domestic travel, along with ongoing university expansions.
The statements followed Modi’s visit to New Zealand on July 10-11, the first by an Indian prime minister in four decades. The two countries upgraded relations to a strategic partnership and approved a roadmap for cooperation through 2030.
