PM Modi Receives Knesset Medal, Among Few Leaders Honoured by Both Israel and Palestine

First Indian Prime Minister to address Israeli Parliament; calls for deeper trade, security and regional cooperation

Jerusalem/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the “Medal of the Knesset,” the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament, following his address to a special plenary session in Jerusalem.

The medal was presented by Speaker Amir Ohana in recognition of Modi’s leadership in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset and the first leader to receive the honour.

With the latest recognition, Modi becomes one of the rare global leaders to have received top honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian civilian honour for foreign leaders.

Strong bipartisan support for India-Israel ties

Upon arrival at the Knesset, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Leader of Opposition Yair Lapid and Speaker Amir Ohana addressed the plenary before Modi’s speech, expressing bipartisan support for stronger India-Israel relations.

In his address, Modi highlighted the deep civilisational links between the two countries, noting references to India in the Book of Esther and ancient trade links recorded in the Talmud. He underlined that Jewish communities have lived in India without fear of persecution or discrimination, calling it a matter of pride.

He said that the India-Israel partnership rests on both historical ties and contemporary collaboration across technology, innovation, defence, security and agriculture.

Zero tolerance for terrorism, support for peace

Referring to the October 7 terror attack, Modi reiterated India’s zero tolerance policy toward terrorism and offered condolences. He stated that there can be no justification for such brutality and reaffirmed India’s support for efforts contributing to durable peace and stability in the region.

He also highlighted India’s support for the Gaza Peace Initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council and called for deeper engagement under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the I2U2 framework.

Focus on trade and innovation

Modi emphasised India’s growth trajectory and invited greater collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure, green growth, start-ups, digital solutions and emerging technologies. He expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and called for early finalisation of an ambitious Free Trade Agreement to unlock untapped trade potential.

The Prime Minister also urged stronger parliamentary exchanges, referring to the recently formed Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel in India.

Drawing parallels between India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the Israeli concept of Tikkun Olam, he said both civilisations share a commitment to harmony and global well-being.

Following his address, which received a standing ovation, Modi interacted with members of the Knesset before being presented with the Medal of the Knesset. He dedicated the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.