Jerusalem, Feb 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as one of the few global leaders to receive the highest civilian honours from both Israel and the State of Palestine, underscoring India’s balanced and principled approach to West Asian diplomacy.
In a landmark development, Israel’s Parliament — the Knesset — conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ on PM Modi, making him the first-ever recipient of the prestigious recognition. The medal was presented by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following the Prime Minister’s address to lawmakers in Jerusalem.
Described as the highest honour bestowed by the Knesset, the award recognises PM Modi’s leadership in strengthening and elevating the India–Israel strategic partnership. The citation highlighted deepened cooperation across defence, technology, agriculture, innovation and economic engagement, as well as broader contributions to ties with the Israeli people.
PM Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel marked a historic turning point, elevating bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. His recent address to the Knesset — the first by an Indian Prime Minister — received a standing ovation, with the Prime Minister calling the honour a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two democracies.
