Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the prestigious Speaker of the Knesset Medal, marking a significant milestone in India-Israel relations. The honour, considered the highest award of Israel’s Parliament, was presented in recognition of Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to the Indian prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliament. Modi has become the first world leader to receive this distinction, underscoring the growing depth of diplomatic engagement and cooperation between India and Israel in recent years.
Responding to the honour, Modi described the recognition as a tribute not to him personally but to the enduring friendship shared by the two countries. In a message posted on social media, he said he accepted the award with humility and gratitude, emphasizing that it reflects the shared democratic values and mutual trust guiding India and Israel.
The latest recognition further highlights Modi’s unique diplomatic standing globally. He remains one of the rare world leaders to have received top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Palestinian leadership on foreign dignitaries.
The Knesset Medal adds to Modi’s growing list of international recognitions, which now exceeds 28 top civilian awards from foreign nations. Among the recent honours are the Order of Oman, Ethiopia’s Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, and Kuwait’s Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, reflecting India’s expanding global outreach under his leadership.
This visit marks Modi’s second trip to Israel in nine years. During his landmark visit in July 2017, India and Israel elevated their bilateral ties to the level of a strategic partnership, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation. Observers say the latest honour signals continued momentum in the India-Israel relationship and reinforces Modi’s role in deepening diplomatic ties in the region.
