Former England cricket captain Kevin Pietersen has commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in various 'Project Tiger' events during his visit to Karnataka on Sunday.

In recognition of PM Modi's animal conservation efforts in India, the ex-cricketer lauded him as an "iconic" and "world leader".

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of "Project Tiger", Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a 20-kilometre safari at the Bandipore Tiger Reserve in Karnataka on Sunday.

During the visit, PM Modi unveiled the latest tiger census data, which revealed that the tiger population in India has grown steadily from 1,411 in 2006 to 3,167 in 2022.

During the G20 summit held in New Delhi in March, Pietersen known for his charitable work through SORAI (Save our Rhinos in Africa and India) foundation, had the opportunity to meet with PM Modi.

The tiger population in India was 3,167 in 2022, revealed the latest tiger census data released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.

According to the data, the tiger population stood at 1,411 in 2006, 1,706 in 2010, 2,226 in 2014, 2,967 in 2018 and 3,167 in 2022.

Pietersen, an animal conservationist who is well-known for his charity, SORAI (Save our Rhino's in Africa and India) to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned or injured rhinos, had met PM Modi during the G20 summit in New Delhi in March.

"An honor to speak so passionately and warmly about the release of cheetahs on your birthday, Sir @narendramodi. Thank you for your infectious smile and firm handshake. I really look forward to seeing you again, Sir!," he had written on social media.

Twelve cheetahs from South Africa were taken to the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh last month. After their rehabilitation, the total number of big cats in the national park rose to 20.

Tags :Kevin PietersenNarendra Modi