Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, on Wednesday conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal”, its highest parliamentary honour, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a special session in Jerusalem.
Modi has become the first global leader to receive the medal, which recognises his exceptional leadership and role in strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel, according to official statements.
During his address to lawmakers, the Indian prime minister received a standing ovation at both the beginning and the end of his speech, with chants of “Modi, Modi” echoing across the chamber, media reports said.
Ceremony And Historic Recognition
Images from the event showed Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presenting the medal to PM Modi. The honour comes during Modi’s second official visit to Israel as prime minister, following his landmark trip in 2017 that significantly boosted bilateral engagement.
Rare Honour From Both Israel And Palestine
Modi is among the few world leaders to receive top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine.
In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders, highlighting India’s diplomatic engagement with both sides in the Middle East.
Focus on Trade, Defence and Security Cooperation
Modi’s two-day visit is focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors, including:
- Defence and security collaboration
- Counter-terrorism efforts
- Trade and technology partnerships
- Negotiations for a proposed India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
According to officials cited by Bloomberg, India and Israel have already launched the first round of FTA talks, signalling deeper economic integration between the two innovation-driven economies.
Growing India–Israel Strategic Partnership
India and Israel have strengthened ties in recent years across defence, agriculture, technology, cybersecurity, and innovation. The awarding of the Knesset Medal underscores the growing strategic partnership and mutual recognition of leadership at the highest political level.