New Delhi/Jerusalem: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour awarded by Israel’s Parliament, in recognition of his pivotal role in deepening India–Israel ties.
The medal was presented by the Knesset to acknowledge Modi’s sustained engagement and leadership that has significantly strengthened bilateral relations. The official citation credited him with elevating India–Israel ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning defence, security, technology, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.
The first-ever recipient of the Medal of the Knesset:
Prime Minister of India @narendramodi 🇮🇱🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/kseKFxWMnS
— Amir Ohana – אמיר אוחנה (@AmirOhana) February 25, 2026
‘Honour to India–Israel Friendship’
Accepting the award, PM Modi described the recognition as a tribute to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset… This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel,” Modi posted on X.
Warm Welcome in Israel
In a strong diplomatic signal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally received Modi at the airport. The Indian Prime Minister said he looked forward to “substantive bilateral engagements” aimed at further strengthening cooperation.
Modi — the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2017 — is currently serving his third consecutive term after the BJP’s victory in the 2024 general elections.
Landed in Israel.
I am extremely honoured to be received by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mrs. Netanyahu at the airport. I look forward to engaging in bilateral discussions and fruitful outcomes that strengthen the India-Israel friendship.@netanyahu pic.twitter.com/FYGDv0M3Xy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Historic Address to Knesset
During the visit, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament (Knesset). In his keynote speech, he firmly reiterated India’s stand against terrorism.
Drawing parallels between the October 2023 Hamas attack and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, Modi said:
“We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond.”
He also recalled historical links, noting that more than 4,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives in the region during World War I, including the famous Haifa cavalry charge of 1918.
Addressing the Knesset. Do watch my speech. @KnessetENG https://t.co/a8V6Ah5HwY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Netanyahu Hails Strategic Partnership
Addressing the Knesset before Modi, Prime Minister Netanyahu termed the India–Israel alliance an “enormous multiplier” of both nations’ capabilities and spirit. He highlighted the deep civilisational connections between the Indus Valley and the Jordan Valley.
Focus on Expanding Cooperation
Ahead of the visit, Modi had emphasised plans to expand collaboration in key sectors including:
- Science and technology
- Innovation
- Agriculture and water management
- Defence and security
- Trade and investment
- People-to-people exchanges
He also met Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the visit to further broaden bilateral engagement.
With this historic address, Modi joins the ranks of global leaders who have spoken at the Knesset, including former US President Donald Trump, late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Argentine President Javier Milei.
The visit underscores the growing strategic depth and political warmth in India–Israel relations.
