(Image source from: The Indian Express)

Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu in Chicago told a gathering of Telugu Americans that India has made tremendous progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last four years and the whole world is now looking towards the country.

"The entire world's economy is slowing down. The only economy which is growing faster is India," Naidu said.

Addressing a gathering of several hundred Telugu Americans in the windy city Saturday, Naidu mentioned the newest development statistics and projections by numerous international financial institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"The entire world is looking towards India now," Naidu said in his speech in Telugu.

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"I was Minister for Urban Development till recently. Thirty-five to 40 Ambassadors met me. They all wanted to invest in India," the vice president said, adding that he is very happy that there is a broader consensus on reforms.

Naidu arrived in Chicago on an unofficial visit to address a meeting of Telugu Diaspora and deliver the keynote address to the ongoing World Hindu Congress. He is also scheduled to interact with the foreign dignitaries attending the World Hindu Congress.

He advised the Telugu community to be a partner in India's development story. Naidu said he is proud of the success of the Telugu American community.

The event was organized in Chicago by several Telugu groups. Prominent among them being Telugu Association of North America, America Telugu Association, North America Telugu Society, North America Telugu Association, American Telangana Association, Telugu Association of Greater Chicago, Tri-State Telugu Association, Chicago Telugu Association, Chicago Andhra Association, Chicago Telangana Association, Indian Association of Greater Chicago, and American Progressive Telugu Association.

By Sowmya Sangam