PM Modi Receives Knesset Medal, Israel’s Highest Parliamentary Honor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal” during his speech in the Israeli Parliament on 25 February, 2026. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honor.

• This medal is the highest honor given by the Knesset. It was given for his personal leadership in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
• Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented this award to the Prime Minister after his speech in the Israeli Parliament.
• This medal was given in honor of the Prime Minister’s special contribution to strengthening strategic ties between India and Israel, through his personal leadership.
• This is Prime Minister Modi’s second visit to Israel in nine years. During his first visit to Israel in July, 2017, India-Israel relations were elevated to the level of strategic partnership.
• Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his speech in the Knesset and described him as “a great friend of Israel, a great champion of the Indian-Israeli alliance, a great leader on the world stage.” Netanyahu called Modi his “dear friend” and said that he is very emotional about this visit.

Prime Minister Modi received major civilian honors from both Israel and Palestine

• Prime Minister Modi is among the few leaders in the world who have received major civilian honors from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018 he was honored with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honor given to foreign leaders.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received a total of 29 international awards during his 11-year tenure.