Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, Israel’s highest parliamentary honour, on February 25, 2026, during his address to the Knesset in Jerusalem. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the award right after Modi’s speech, making him the first world leader and first Indian Prime Minister to get this recognition.
The medal honours his personal leadership in building strong strategic ties between India and Israel in areas like defence, technology, and trade. This event marks a key moment in the growing partnership between the two nations, which share values of democracy and face similar security challenges.
PM Modi arrived in Israel for a two-day visit on February 25. He was welcomed at Ben Gurion Airport by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara. Before Prime Minister’s speech, Netanyahu spoke of building an “iron alliance” between India and Israel against extremist Islam and terrorism.
He praised PM Modi’s firm support after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, calling him “more than a friend, a brother.” Prime Minister Modi brought greetings from 1.4 billion Indians and stressed friendship, respect, and partnership. The Knesset gave him a standing ovation, with chants of “Modi,” complimenting his warm reception in Israel ,
In his historic address, the first by an Indian PM to the Knesset, Prime Minister Modi condemned the October 7 “barbaric terrorist attack” by Hamas, saying no cause justifies killing civilians. He affirmed India’s full support for Israel, drawing parallels to India’s own fight against terrorism like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Prime Minister Modi called the India-Israel bond a source of strength in an uncertain world and highlighted pillars like defence, security, innovation, agriculture, and economy. He invited more Israelis to visit India and ended with “Am Yisrael Chai,” earning another ovation. PM Netanyahu noted shared progress and human dignity in their alliance against radical threats.
The award underscores Prime Minister Modi’s role in transforming India-Israel ties since his 2017 visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister. Bilateral trade hit about $5 billion in 2025, with India as Israel’s second-largest Asian partner, excluding defence deals where India buys 34% of Israel’s arms exports.
Defence cooperation has grown from buying drones, radars, and missiles to joint projects like the Barak-8 system and interest in Iron Beam laser tech. Recent steps include a November 2025 defence MOU and first-round FTA talks in February 2026, aiming to boost trade, investment, and infrastructure. Tech areas like AI, quantum, cyber, and semiconductors are key focuses.
Prime Minister Modi stands out as one of few leaders honoured by both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he got Palestine’s Grand Collar, its top award for foreigners. This balance shows India’s skilled diplomacy in the Middle East.
The visit also covered meetings with President Isaac Herzog and pushed for deeper security pacts on sensitive projects. Indian workers and caregivers in Israel, even during tough times like October 7, were praised by Prime Minister Modi.
After the honour, Prime Minister Modi posted on X: “I am deeply honoured to conferred with the Medal of the Knesset. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called it fitting recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s work on the partnership. The trip aligns with global shifts, including IMEC corridor plans linking India to Europe via the Middle East.
As both nations tackle hostile neighbourhoods and terrorism, this alliance promises stability and growth. Prime Minister Modi’s over 28 foreign civilian awards highlight his global stature. The event cements India-Israel as trusted partners in defence, economy, and innovation for years ahead.
