Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu, is crowned Miss Universe during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat on Dec 13, 2021. (MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP)

JERUSALEM - Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned as the 70th Miss Universe at the pageant held on the night between Sunday and Monday at Israel's southernmost resort city of Eilat.

Sandhu, a 21-year-old actress and model, beat 79 other contestants and won a third title for her country, following previous Indian wins in 1994 and 2000. She was crowned by the previously reigning Miss Universe, Mexico's Andrea Meza.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience," Sandhu said. "The last three weeks have been a dream. I hope to serve the global community as best as I can during the coming year."

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu (Miss India) poses for photos after winning the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat on Dec 13, 2021. (MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP)

Born in the state of Punjab in northwestern India, Sandhu is the daughter of a gynecologist, and grew up working with her mother at medical camps addressing women's health and menstrual hygiene, according to the official website of Miss Universe.

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Nadia Ferreira from Paraguay finished as first runner-up and South African representative Lalela Mswane took the second runner-up spot.

Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu, poses in the evening gown during the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant in Israel's southern Red Sea coastal city of Eilat on Dec 13, 2021. (MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP)