Jerusalem: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met three prominent Indian-origin Israelis who are recipients of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman.

"Living bridges of excellence between #IndiaIsrael. PM meets three Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees from Israel," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.

Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Israel, met Eliyahu Bezalel, Sheikh Ansari and Dr Lael Anson Best.

Bezalel, who hails from Kochi, is the first Israeli of Indian-origin to receive the award in 2005. He has distinguished himself as an eminent agriculturist.

Ansari, who manages the Indian Hospice in Jerusalem, was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2011. Best, an accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon, was conferred with the award in 2017.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman (Overseas Indian Honour/Award) is instituted by the Indian government to honour Indian-origin people abroad for their exceptional and meritorious contribution in their chosen field and profession.