NEW DELHI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Friday urged people not to be complacent in following the COVID-19 protocol, particularly wearing a face mask when outside their homes.

In his address to the nation, Modi said that the country had overcome the pandemic to a large extent by administering over 1 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines, a milestone achieved on Thursday.

Greeting people amid the incoming festive season, the Indian prime minister said that everyone should continue to follow the COVID-19 protocol, including wearing face masks.

"Just like we put on footwear while going out of our houses, we also need to make a habit of wearing face-masks while stepping out of homes," said Modi in his televised speech.

In his 20-minute speech, Modi also said that presently there was a sense of optimism and positivity in the country.

"With new start-up unicorns, real estate sector booming, and the Indian companies getting record investments, there is a sense of positivity and optimism in the country now," said Modi.

He also called on the Indian people to buy Made-in-India products in the festive season, when celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali next month.