India’s economy will be among world’s top three in five years, says Modi

Indian PM Narendra Modi speaks at the 17th century Mughal-era Red Fort monument on the country’s Independence Day (Manish Swarup/AP)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India’s economy will be among the top three in the world within five years, as he marked 76 years of independence from British rule on Tuesday.

Wearing a flowing, multi-coloured turban, Mr Modi addressed the country from New Delhi’s 17th century Mughal-era Red Fort, saying his government has lifted over 130 million people out of poverty and that India’s growing prosperity was an opportunity for the world.