PM Modi Conferred With Israel's Prestigious 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'

Speaker of the Knesset Medal: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal'in his two-day state visit to Israel. The Medal was presented by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana following the Prime Minister’s address to the parliamentand the award marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations. 

This honor highlights the deep and evolving bond between India and Israel which has seen substantial growth in defense, technology, security, and strategic cooperation since the partnership was elevated in 2017.

#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Israel Parliament confers "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi

This is the highest honour of the Knesset. The medal is being conferred in recognition of PM’s exceptional contribution – through his personal leadership – to… pic.twitter.com/RAR1AO6n1j

— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026

Key Highlights:

The 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' is a newly instituted, prestigious distinction designed to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people by receiving this award, Prime Minister Modi has become the first recipient, further cementing his reputation as a transformative figure in international diplomacy. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi's visit to Israel and described him as a "great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance" and a "dear friend." The event underscored the shared commitment of both nations to counter extremism and foster stability. 

During this address, PM Modi emphasized that the partnership is built on a natural foundationIndia's economic growth and Israel's innovation and stated his commitment to further expanding trade and investment through an ambitious free trade agreement.

• PM Modi reaffirmed India's policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, referencing both the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. He called for "sustained and coordinated global action" to maintain regional peace and stability.

• Expressed his support to the The Gaza Peace Initiative that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine Issue.

• Committed to expanding trade, strengthening investment flows, and promoting joint infrastructure development. The Bilateral Investment Treaty signed last year will provide confidence and predictability to our businesses.

Prime Minister Modi is among a select group of world leaders to have received top recognition from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was conferred the 'Grand Collar of the State of Palestine', the highest honor awarded to foreign leaders by the Palestinian Authority. This reflects India's balanced approach to diplomacy in the region.