India, Feb. 1 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a "people's budget", calling it a "force multiplier" that would increase savings, investment, consumption, and growth.

In a video address, Modi said the budget reflects the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. "...this is a budget that fulfils the dreams of every Indian... We have opened many sectors for the youth. Common citizens are going to drive the mission of a developed India."

He sought to reach out to the middle class perceived to have moved away from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over rising costs and inflation. "Usually, the focus of the budget is on how the government treasury will be filled. But this b...