The Miss World Organization on Thursday announced that it has chosen India to host the much anticipated 71st Miss World 2023 pageant.

"The decision to award India with this prestigious honor recognizes the nation's rich cultural heritage, its commitment to promoting diversity, and its passion for empowering women," said the official statement.

India will be hosting the Miss World pageant after a long gap of 27 years, almost three decades now. The last being in 1996.

The news was shared by the reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska along with Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organization in the inaugural press meet in New Delhi on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson and CEO, Miss World Organization, Julia Morley said, “I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final! I have had a great affection for India from the first moment I visited this incredible country more than 30 years ago! We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world class attractions and breathtaking locations with the rest of the world."

According to the official statement, contestants from over 130 countries will gather in India to participate while showcasing their unique talents, intelligence, and compassion.

The contestants have to go through a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives, all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make them exceptional ambassadors of change.

There will be several rounds to shortlist the participants taking over a period of one month before the grand finale scheduled in November/ December 2023.

India has till date won the Miss World title six times - the first in 1966 by Reita Faria, second, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1994. Third, Diana Hayden won the Miss World title in 1997, fourth, Yukta Mookhey bagged the title of Miss World in 1999.

And the very next year, the year 2000, India won the Miss World title again with Priyanka Chopra winning the crown.

The last time, India won the title was in the year 2017 when Manushi Chhillar was crowned the Miss World title.