India has a true friend in the White House, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump and his adviser, Ivanka Trump, told a summit in southern Hyderabad city on Tuesday.
Ivanka Trump, a businesswoman known for her own self-labelled global brand, was in the Indian city to inaugurate the three-day 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"This is the first time India has hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. It is a symbol of the strengthened friendship between our two peoples, and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations," she said, according to a live telecast of the summit broadcast by state-owned Doordarshan.
India is one of the fastest growing economies, she said, adding: "India has a true friend in the White House."
She also praised Modi.
"From your childhood selling tea to your election as India's Prime Minister, you've proven that transformational change is possible."
The Indian premier had invited Ivanka Trump during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the summit that is being held under the theme "Women First, Prosperity for All".
The summit is being hosted for the first time in South Asia by the governments of India and the United States. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Hyderabad, capital of Telangana state.
She also commended the participation of women entrepreneurs in the event.
"I am proud to see that for the first time a majority of 1,500 women entrepreneurs are participating in such an event. What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary.
"The Indian economy could grow by over $150 billion in the next three years if it was able to close the labour force gender gap by half."
In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi said: "GEC17 showcases close ties between U.S. and India and underlines the shared commitment towards encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation.
"The summit is being held for the first time in South Asia. It brings together, leading investors, entrepreneurs, academicians, think-tanks and other stakeholders to propel the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
"This summit brings together a lot of fields relevant to the issues of mankind and prosperity of mankind."
Modi said his government was making it easier to do business in India.
Ivanka Trump is said to be accompanied by a 350-member delegation, which includes top administration officials and a large number of Indian-Americans.
The summit will primarily focus on energy and infrastructure; healthcare and life sciences; financial technology and digital economy; and media and entertainment sectors.
