QuoteToday women are excelling in every sphere: PM Modi
QuoteIt is important to recognise the talent of women and provide them with the right opportunities: PM Modi
QuoteSelf Help Groups have immensely benefitted people in rural areas, especially women: PM Modi
QuoteTo strengthen the network of Self Help Groups across the country, Government is helping them economically as well as by providing training: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, todayinteractedwith themembers of Self Help Groups from across the country and beneficiaries of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, through video bridge. The interaction covered over one crore women representing various Self Help Groups. This is the ninth interaction in the series by the Prime Minister through video conference with the beneficiaries of various Government schemes.

Expressing happiness in interacting with women from Self Help Groups of various states, Prime Minister said that each member is an inspiring example of resolution, collective efforts and entrepreneurship.He said that women are enterprising, have enormous inner strength for self-reliance during odd circumstances, and they need only opportunities to perform. He added that it is impossible to imagine many sectors especially agriculture and diary, without the contribution of women. This is the true spirit of women empowerment all over the country.

Narendra Modi during the interaction said that Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission has been started in all states. He added thatthe aim of the scheme is to reach crores of poor households in 2.5 lakh gram panchayats and provide them sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also congratulated all States and Officials in the successful implementation of the scheme.

Talking about Self Help Groups (SHGs), Prime Minister said thatSelf Help Groups play a very important role in the economic and social advancement of poor, especially for women from rural strata of society. He said that the number of SHGs have quadrupled over the last four years compared to 2011-2014 period, generating employment and creatingentrepreneurs in rural areas.In three years between 2011 and 2014, only five lakh Self Help Groups were formed covering 52 lakh families whereasadditional 20 lakh Self Help Groups covering 2.25 core families were formed since 2014.

Government is also providing training, financial assistance and opportunities to promote Self Help Groups throughout the country.Through MahilaKisanSashaktikaranPariyojna, training has been given to over 33 lakh women farmers. At present there are 45 lakh Self Help Groups with active participation of around five crore women all over rural India.

Prime Ministersaid thatspecial attention is givento skill development of rural youth through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana. Training is given for employment as well as self-employment to meet the aspirations of youth for a better life. He added that about 28 lakh youth have been trained in skill development through 600 Rural Self-Employment Training Institute and around 19 lakh have been employed.

During the interaction, Prime Minister talked about the importance of value addition and value chain approach.He urged the Self Help Groups to register in the Government e-Market Place (GeM)to sell their produce.

Interacting with the Prime Minister, the members shared their experiences and success stories associated with Self Help Groups. Prime Minister appreciated how poor women with their self-confidence and strength fought against all adversities. Women beneficiaries also explained how Self Help Groups have ushered in a positive change in their lives.Prime Minister asked the beneficiaries to send their success stories with photos along with their ideas through Narendra Modi App.

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Prime Minister and President of Cyprus interact with business leaders from Cyprus and India
June 15, 2025

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi along with the President of Cyprus, H.E. Nikos Christodoulides today held a Roundtable interaction with business leaders from Cyprus and India in Limassol. The participants represented diverse sectors such as banking, financial institutions, manufacturing, defence, logistics, maritime, shipping, technology, innovation, digital technologies, AI, IT services, tourism and mobility.

Highlighting India's rapid economic transformation in the last 11 years, Prime Minister noted that India, propelled by next-generation reforms, policy predictability, stable polity and Ease of Doing Business, has become the fastest growing major economy in the world. Emphasizing on the primacy being given to innovation, digital revolution, start-up and futuristic infrastructure development, he expressed confidence that India, the fifth largest economy in the world, was well positioned to become the third largest in a few years’ time. He noted that steady growth in India’s civil aviation, port, shipbuilding, digital payments and green development sectors have opened myriad opportunities for companies from Cyprus to partner with India. He further underlined the strengths of India’s skilled talent and start-up ecosystem and highlighted manufacturing, AI, Quantum, Semiconductor and Critical Minerals as new and emerging areas contributing to India’s growth story.

Prime Minister noted that Cyprus was a significant economic partner for India, particularly in the Foreign Direct Investment sector and welcomed the keen interest in Cyprus for new investments into the Indian economy. Highlighting the potential for business engagement in the financial services sector, the two leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU between NSE International Exchange GIFT CITY, Gujarat and Cyprus Stock Exchange. NIPL (NPCI International Payments Limited) and the Eurobank Cyprus reached an understanding on introducing UPI for cross border payments between the two countries which would benefit tourists and businesses. Prime Minister also welcomed the launch of the India–Greece–Cyprus (IGC) Business and Investment Council, which will foster trilateral cooperation in sectors such as shipping, logistics, renewable energy, civil aviation and digital services. Prime Minister welcomed the fact that many Indian companies see Cyprus as a gateway to Europe and hub for IT services, financial management, and tourism.

As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the EU Council next year, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen India-EU Strategic Partnership. They expressed optimism about concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement by end of the year which would also give a major boost to trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister underlined that the business roundtable had given practical suggestions which would form the basis for a structured economic roadmap, ensuring long-term collaboration in trade, innovation and strategic sectors.

With shared aspirations and a future-focused approach, India and Cyprus are poised for a new era of dynamic and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.