Honorable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was conferred Israel’s highest parliamentary honour which is the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, in Jerusalem on February 25 2026. He became the first global leader to receive this prestigious recognition from the Israeli Parliament. The award honours his personal leadership in deepening India-Israel strategic relations, boosting trade ties and expanding cooperation in innovation, defense and technology.
PM Modi Receives Speaker of the Knesset Medal in Israel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Speaker of the Knesset Medal after addressing the Israeli Parliament.
The honour was conferred by Amir Ohana, Speaker of the Knesset.
Key highlights,
- First global leader to receive this medal
- Recognized for strengthening India-Israel strategic ties
- Awarded for personal diplomatic leadership
The Speaker of the Knesset Medal symbolizes Israel’s highest parliamentary recognition.
Strengthening India-Israel Strategic Partnership
During his address at the Knesset, PM Modi emphasized that India’s economic growth and Israel’s innovation ecosystem form a natural foundation for deeper partnership.
Key areas of cooperation,
- Defense and security collaboration
- Agricultural technology and water management
- Cybersecurity and innovation
- Trade and investment
The Speaker of the Knesset Medal acknowledges PM Modi’s role in elevating bilateral ties to a strategic level.
Free Trade Agreement Negotiations Underway
PM Modi also highlighted progress on an ambitious India–Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Important developments,
- First round of FTA negotiations launched
- Focus on expanding goods and services trade
- Unlocking untapped trade potential
He stated that bilateral trade has grown significantly but does not yet reflect the full scope of opportunity between the two countries.
Significance of the Speaker of the Knesset Medal
The Speaker of the Knesset Medal is Israel’s highest parliamentary honor, awarded for exceptional contributions to Israel’s parliamentary democracy and international partnerships.
For India, this recognition,
- Strengthens diplomatic prestige
- Enhances India’s role in West Asia
- Reinforces strategic cooperation
- Supports economic and technological collaboration
The award underscores India’s growing global influence under PM Modi’s leadership.
Overview: India-Israel Relations
- India and Israel established full diplomatic relations in 1992.
- Since then, bilateral ties have expanded rapidly across defense, agriculture, water conservation, cybersecurity and trade.
- Israel is one of India’s key defence suppliers. Bilateral trade has diversified into high-technology sectors and innovation partnerships.
- Regular high level visits and strategic dialogues have strengthened political trust and economic engagement between the two nations.
Question
Q. PM Narendra Modi received which Israeli parliamentary honor in 2026?
A) Order of Israel
B) Jerusalem Peace Medal
C) Speaker of the Knesset Medal
D) Star of David Award
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