The 19-year-old beauty queen, who grew up in Abu Dhabi and hails from Kerala, will compete in the 75th edition of the international pageant
UAE-born Kaziah Liz Mejo, Miss Universe India 2026, has departed for Puerto Rico to represent India at the 75th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in San Juan on November 24.
The 19-year-old was seen at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi before boarding her flight to the Caribbean island. Dressed in an embroidered maroon saree, Mejo posed with her crown, the Indian national flag and members of her team.
The Miss Universe India organisation shared photographs of her departure on social media, describing her journey as one carrying the hopes and aspirations of the country.
The official Discover Puerto Rico account also welcomed the Indian contestant, expressing excitement over her arrival.
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Born in 2007, Mejo spent her childhood in Abu Dhabi, where she studied at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School
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She is originally from Kerala and is pursuing a law degree alongside her modelling career
Mejo is the first contestant from Kerala to represent India at Miss Universe.
Her journey in the beauty pageant industry began in 2024, when she won the Miss Teen Diva title at the age of 17. She subsequently represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, finishing as the first runner-up.
Earlier this year, she won the Miss Universe Kerala title, becoming the youngest winner of the state-level crown, before securing the national Miss Universe India 2026 title.
Apart from modelling and academics, Mejo has trained in classical dance for 12 years. She is also a singer and plays the violin and drums.
The 75th edition of Miss Universe will be held at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Around 130 countries are expected to participate, with the Republic of the Congo, Saint Martin, South Sudan and Uganda among the nations making their debut at the international competition.
Mejo’s participation brings an Indian contestant with strong UAE roots to the global stage, reflecting the international journeys of members of the Indian diaspora.
