Hyderabad: Ivanka Trump on Tuesday described Narendra Modi's rise from being a humble tea seller to Prime Minister as "truly extraordinary" and an example of "transformational change".

"From your childhood selling tea to your election as India's Prime Minister, you've proven that transformational change is possible. And now, you are bringing that promise to hundreds of millions of people across your country. Thank you," US President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser said in her address to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit here.

Ivanka, 36, applauded Modi for his belief that "the progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women" and went on to congratulate Indians on celebrating 70 years of Independence.

Ivanka is leading the US contingent at the summit, themed "Women First, Prosperity for All".

"Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty, a remarkable improvement and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Ivanka said. She counted Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, "who went to school right here in Hyderabad", among the Indians who inspire globally.

Senior Congress leader and finance minister P. Chidambaram tweeted that when Ivanka spoke about India having lifted 130 million people out of poverty, "she was referring to the UPA government's period of 2004 to 2014 (the number was 140 million)". PTI