PM Modi conferred with ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ by Israeli Parliament, first Indian PM to receive honour

The medal is being conferred in recognition of PM Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel.

Updated on: Feb 25, 2026, 22:28:58 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” by Israel’s Parliament on Wednesday, becoming the first Indian prime minister to receive the legislature’s highest honour.

PM Modi Delivers Ironclad Message From Knesset, Declares India-Israel Unity Against Extremism

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the award to the prime minister following his address to the Israeli Parliament.

The medal was bestowed in recognition of the prime minister’s exceptional contribution, underpinned by his personal leadership, to advancing strategic relations between India and Israel.

Modi is among the few global leaders to have received top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine.

In 2018, he was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian award granted to foreign dignitaries.

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Israeli PM's welcome to PM Modi

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his address to the Knesset, describing him as “a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage.” Netanyahu referred to Modi as a “dear friend” and said he was deeply moved by the visit.

“I have to tell you, Narendra, my dear friend, I am deeply, deeply moved by your visit here today. I've never been more moved than by your visit here with us, a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage. Welcome to Jerusalem, my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and your distinguished delegation,” he said.

“I would almost venture to say, more than a friend, a brother. Now, when you were last here, we, the two of us, were on the Mediterranean coast, and I said, why don't we take off our shoes and go into the water?... We didn't walk on water, but we did perform miracles since then. Because what we have done is we've doubled our trade, tripled our cooperation, quadrupled our understanding,” he added.

This marks PM Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership during his maiden visit in July 2017.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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