PM Modi Makes History: First Indian Leader Awarded Israel's Highest Knesset Medal

Modi: Honor Symbolizes Enduring Friendship

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana bestowed the award on the Prime Minister. The medal was not an homage to someone but a message for India and Israel on an enduring friendship, PM Modi said in a statement after accepting the honour.
PM Modi said, "I am deeply honoured to receive 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.”

Rare Feat: Top Honors from Israel and Palestine

PM Modi is one of the few world leaders who has been bestowed top civilian honours by both Israel and Palestine. He received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine in 2018 — the highest Palestinian honour awarded to foreign leaders.
The medal acknowledged his efforts to improve India–Palestine relations, as well as his encouragement of Palestinian hopes, the highest honour awarded by the Palestinian leadership to foreign dignitaries for his role in nurturing India–Palestine relations, and for New Delhi’s long-term backing for the Palestinian cause. 

Firm Stance on Terrorism, Echoing 26/11 Pain

In his address to the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi reiterated India’s position on terrorism and regional peace. PM Modi also invoked India’s experience with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and offered condolences to victims of the Hamas attack on October 7.
"We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards," Modi said.
"Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he added.

Backs Trump Gaza Plan for Regional Peace

Notably, Modi also mentioned the Palestine issue when he said that the Trump administration-led Gaza Peace Initiative is a fair and sustainable solution for the people of the region. He said the initiative has been endorsed by the UN Security Council and provides a realistic path forward, emphasizing India’s unwavering support for the proposal.
“The Gaza Peace Initiative holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue. The road to peace is not always easy but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” PM Modi said.