Historic Recognition: Modi Becomes First Leader Honoured by Israel and Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a rare diplomatic milestone by receiving top honours from both Israel and Palestine. On the February 25 2026, he was conferred by the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament. Earlier in the 2018, he was received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine. This dual recognition underscores India’s balanced and strategic engagement in West Asia and highlights PM Modi’s distinctive diplomatic outreach.

Speaker of the Knesset Medal – Israel’s Highest Parliamentary Honour

On February 25, 2026, PM Narendra Modi was awarded the Speaker of the Knesset Medal at the Knesset in Jerusalem.

• The medal was presented by Amir Ohana, making PM Modi the first global leader to receive this honour.
• The award recognizes his “exceptional contribution” to strengthening India-Israel strategic relations, including cooperation in defense, innovation, technology and trade.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described India-Israel ties as a “wondrous friendship,” praising the strong personal and bilateral bond.

Grand Collar of the State of Palestine – 2018 Recognition

• In 2018, PM Modi received the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
• The award was conferred by Mahmoud Abbas in recognition of India’s support for Palestinian aspirations and bilateral cooperation.
• The Grand Collar has previously been awarded to prominent global leaders, placing PM Modi in a distinguished diplomatic category.

Address to the Knesset – Strong Anti-Terror Stand

During his address to the Knesset, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Key points from his speech,

• Recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
• Expressed condolences for victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks
• Called for coordinated global action against terrorism
• Emphasized that “terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere”

He reiterated that countering terrorism requires sustained international cooperation without double standards.

Support for Gaza Peace and Regional Stability

PM Modi also expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative endorsed by the UN Security Council.

He emphasized,

• Commitment to dialogue and diplomacy
• Support for durable and just peace
• India’s consistent policy of regional stability

His remarks reflected India’s balanced West Asia approach maintaining the strong ties with Israel while supporting Palestinian statehood and peace efforts.

Strategic Significance for India’s West Asia Diplomacy

Receiving top honours from both Israel and Palestine is considered a rare diplomatic achievement.

The significance includes,

• Strengthened India-Israel strategic partnership
• Continued goodwill with Palestine
• Enhanced global diplomatic stature
• Reinforcement of India’s independent foreign policy

PM Modi’s 2026 Israel visit marks his second trip to the country in nine years, further deepening bilateral engagement.

Question

Q. The Grand Collar of the State of Palestine was awarded to PM Modi in which year?
A) 2016
B) 2017
C) 2018
D) 2019