PM Modi awarded Israel’s Knesset Medal: Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, awarded Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, making him the first-ever recipient of the prestigious honour.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to PM Modi shortly after his address to lawmakers in Jerusalem. Described as the highest recognition conferred by the Knesset, the honour acknowledges Modi’s leadership in elevating the strategic partnership between India and Israel.

The Knesset citation praised Modi’s role in strengthening bilateral ties in key sectors such as defence, technology, agriculture, innovation, and economic cooperation.

Accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi said the recognition was not meant for him personally but reflected the enduring friendship between India and Israel.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “This is a great honor for me to receive the Knesset Medal. I accept it with humility and deep gratitude. This is not an award for a single individual, but an expression of the strong and enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide both our nations.”

The award comes during Modi’s visit to Israel, where he delivered a historic speech to the Knesset, the first ever by an Indian prime minister, earning a standing ovation from members.

PM Modi Knesset speech

In his address, PM Modi said India and Israel share civilisational links dating back more than two millennia, highlighting the long-standing historical and cultural connections between the two nations.

“Long before we related to each other as modern States, we were linked by ties that go back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hodu. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times,” he said.

PM Modi noted that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination and have been able to preserve their faith while fully participating in society.

“Jewish merchants travelled across sea routes that connected the Mediterranean with the Indian Ocean. They came seeking opportunity and dignity. And, in India, they became one of us. Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination. They have preserved their faith and participated fully in society. That record is a source of pride for us,” he added.

The recognition further adds to Prime Minister Modi’s global profile, as he is among the few leaders to have received high-level honours from both Israel and Palestine.