Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal by Israel’s parliament during his official visit to the country, becoming the first Indian prime minister to receive the distinction. The award recognises his role in deepening strategic and diplomatic ties between India and Israel, a relationship that has expanded significantly in recent years.
The presentation took place during a special session of the Knesset in Jerusalem, where Modi also addressed Israeli lawmakers. Israeli leaders described the honour as a recognition of his personal leadership in strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors such as defence, trade and technology.
New juncture of India-Israel ties
Modi’s visit marked another milestone in India–Israel relations, following his earlier engagements that helped elevate the partnership to a strategic level. During his speech, the prime minister emphasised the shared values and long-standing civilisational links between the two nations, while reiterating India’s commitment to cooperation and regional stability.
#WATCH | Jerusalem, Israel: Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset, says, "Today, it is my great privilege as Speaker of the Knesset to welcome him as the first Prime Minister of India to address the Knesset and to make history once again. Thank you, Prime Minister Modi..."
— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2026
(Source: pic.twitter.com/H6h8pNOurX
The conferral of the medal added symbolic weight to the trip, underlining Israel’s appreciation of India’s diplomatic support and expanding partnership. Modi’s address to the Knesset and the honour bestowed upon him together underscored the steady consolidation of ties between the two democracies and their shared interests on the global stage.
What did PM Modi say at the Knesset?
In his speech at the Knesset, PM Narendra Modi shared an interesting snippet of information to express the strong ties between India and Israel. He said that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel.
Also Read | 'Was born on the same day India recognised Israel': PM Modi drops interesting fact during Knesset address
The Prime Minister also highlighted the fact that Israelis were victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He also claimed that the Gaza Peace Initiative was a path towards peace. During his speech, he suggested that the road towards peace was 'not easy'.
PM Modi also said that Jewish communities had been living in India for years, and that they live without fear of persecution and discrimination. He highlighted that a considerable population of Bnei Menashe jews reside in north-east India. He also said that India and Israel are tied by links that go back 2000 years.
