India's global standing improved after Modi became PM: Swaraj

Underlining the achievements of the NDA government, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said recognition of yoga at the global level and India's standing among comity of nations has gone up after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office.

The senior BJP leader, who arrived here on a two-day visit, met individuals from various strata of society and also interacted with party workers.

Swaraj said she interacted with 20 representatives from educational institutes, powerlooms, small scale industries and Mahila Bachat Gats (women self-help groups).

"The first scheme that was launched by our government was Jan Dhan Yojana. The scheme (related to financial inclusion) was appreciated in the international arena and brought India tremendous respect," she said during one of the interactions.

She also spoke about various other government schemes like Insurance cover at an annual premium of just Rs 12.

The External Affairs Minister said the NDA government faced four major challenges on foreign front after coming to power.

"Our government successfully evacuated Indians from (trouble-torn spots) like Ukraine, Iraq, libya and Yemen. Yemen was the most difficult operation. India was requested by 28 countries to evacuate their nationals from Yemen. This is unheard of. We evacuated people from more than 28 countries."

Swaraj said respect for India has grown tremendously and its global standing increased after Modi became Prime Minister.

"Modi ji expressed a desire that June 21 be declared as International Yoga Day. As many as 177 countries backed this desire. Also, on his trip to US, President Barack Obama welcomed Modi ji with open arms. This is the country which did not give him a visa earlier," she said.

Swaraj said the process of issuing passport has been simplified. If a person attaches certain key documents like Aadhar and PAN card with the application, the travel document will be issued within 7 days and police verification will take place later.