Tel Aviv, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Israel. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana presented the award following the Prime Minister’s address to the Israeli Parliament, recognizing his personal leadership in fostering a robust strategic partnership.
The Prime Minister is the first world leader to receive this distinction, which stands as the highest honour bestowed by the Knesset. Officials stated that the medal serves as a testament to his exceptional contribution toward strengthening the bilateral ties that were elevated to a strategic level during his initial visit to the country in July 2017.
“The medal was conferred in recognition of the Prime Minister’s exceptional contribution to strengthen strategic relations,” the Knesset Speaker affirmed during the ceremony.
This recognition highlights the Prime Minister’s unique diplomatic position, as he remains a rare global figure to have received top honours from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was awarded the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian distinction for foreign dignitaries. This current visit marks his second trip to Israel in nine years, further solidifying the long-term cooperation between the two nations.
