Cairo, Jun 25 (PTI) Members of the Indian community in Egypt showered fulsome praise on Narendra Modi, hailing him as "India's hero", as he became the first Indian prime minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the strategically located Middle East nation in 26 years.

Modi, who arrived here on Saturday after concluding a high-profile state visit to the US at the invitation of President Joe Biden, was given a rousing welcome at the Ritz Carlton hotel, where he interacted with the Indian diaspora in separate groups. Most of the members appreciated Modi's historic address to the US Congress and the economic progress of the country under his leadership.

Modi on Thursday became the first Indian leader to address the joint session of the US Congress twice. His first address to a joint meeting of the US Congress was in 2016.

"You are India’s hero,” a member of the Indian diaspora told Modi, who responded by saying that efforts by every Indian, including those living overseas, have contributed to the country's success."Saara Hindustan sabka hero hai. Desh ke log mehnat karte, desh ki taraqqi hoti hai (Entire India, everyone's hero. The people of the country work hard and the nation progresses),” the prime minister said."This is a result of your hard work. Your devotion is paying off (Yeh aapki mehnat ka nateeja hai. Aapki tapasya kaam kar rahi hai,” Modi said. Modi also met the members of the Bohra community, who have strong linkages with his home state of Gujarat.