New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received Israel’s highest parliamentary honour – the newly established Medal of the Knesset – during a landmark two-day state visit, in a ceremony that highlighted the strategic depth of India-Israel relations.
Modi became the inaugural recipient of the medal, conferred by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following his address to a special plenary session of Israel’s parliament on 25 February. The award recognises Modi’s personal leadership in significantly strengthening and elevating the strategic partnership between the two nations.
In an official post on X, Modi expressed his sentiments: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office detailed the event in press releases, noting that Modi was bestowed with the “Medal of the Knesset” – also referred to as the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” – which he dedicated to the “enduring friendship and shared democratic traditions” of the two countries. Official Indian statements described the medal as the highest distinction conferred by the Speaker of the Knesset.
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the award after welcoming Modi to the parliament with a ceremonial reception. In his remarks, as captured in official coverage, the Speaker praised Modi’s contributions to deepening ties between India and Israel.
The conferral formed the centrepiece of Modi’s address to the Knesset, where he was the first Indian prime minister to speak before the body. He began by thanking the Speaker for the special honour and reflected on historical bonds: “Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first Prime Minister of India to visit Israel. And I am very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I have always felt drawn.”
Modi underscored mutual solidarity against terrorism, stating: “Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, with no double standards.” He brought greetings from India: “I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership.” He concluded: “Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who personally welcomed Modi at Ben Gurion Airport alongside his wife Sara on 25 February, hailed the alliance in statements: “Our alliance multiplies our strengths, in spirit, in action, and in innovation. Together, we will take the friendship between our peoples to unprecedented heights.”
The visit featured bilateral discussions on cooperation in defence, security, technology, agriculture, water management, and economic ties. The leaders visited an innovation exhibition in Jerusalem and Modi was hosted for dinner.
On 26 February, the programme included a joint visit to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, symbolising shared historical remembrance.
Official channels from both sides emphasised the significance of the medal. Indian statements highlighted it as recognition of Modi’s role in elevating bilateral relations, while Israeli accounts noted the award’s establishment to honour “significant contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”
The events, marked by personal receptions, bipartisan parliamentary support, and the unprecedented parliamentary honour, underscored the robust strategic partnership and mutual admiration between the two democracies amid global challenges.
