Modi Becomes First Indian PM to Receive Israel’s Knesset Speaker Medal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history on Wednesday when he was conferred the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” by Israel’s Parliament — becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to receive the legislature’s highest honour. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the medal to Modi following his address to the Israeli Parliament, recognising his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between the two nations.

A Brotherhood Forged in Diplomacy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave Modi a warm welcome ahead of his parliamentary address, describing him as “a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, and a great leader on the world stage.” Netanyahu went further, calling Modi a brother, and credited their friendship with delivering tangible results — doubling bilateral trade, tripling cooperation, and deepening mutual understanding between the two countries since Modi’s last visit.

This is Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. His maiden trip in July 2017 was itself a landmark moment, as it elevated India-Israel ties to a full strategic partnership for the first time.

Honoured by Both Israel and Palestine

What sets Modi apart on the global stage is his rare distinction of receiving top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine — the highest honour granted to foreign dignitaries by Palestinian leadership. The Knesset Medal now adds to that extraordinary diplomatic legacy.

The recognition underscores India’s carefully balanced foreign policy in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical regions, cementing Modi’s standing as a trusted partner across divides.