PM Modi In Israel: Becomes First Indian Leader To Receive Knesset’s Highest Honour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to Israel, marking a significant moment in India-Israel relations. During his visit, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Special Plenary session of the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament.
Modi was received at the Knesset by Speaker Amir Ohana and was accorded a ceremonial welcome.
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.@KnessetENG https://t.co/OGtBMTsLuC pic.twitter.com/6H6Dt9sP6v
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 25, 2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Leader of Opposition Yair Lapid addressed the Plenary ahead of Modi’s speech, expressing bipartisan support for strengthening India-Israel ties.
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In a special gesture, Modi was awarded the “Speaker of the Knesset Medal,” the highest honour of the Israeli Parliament.
He became the first global leader to receive this recognition. The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the enduring friendship and shared democratic values between India and Israel.
Addressing the Knesset, Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Referring to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, he said no cause can justify the killing of innocent civilians. He also expressed support for peace initiatives in the region, including efforts toward lasting stability in Gaza.
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Earlier in the day, Modi visited a technology exhibition in Jerusalem, where he interacted with young Israeli innovators working in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum research, healthcare, cybersecurity, agriculture and water management. He encouraged Israeli companies to invest in India and collaborate with Indian talent.
אתמול בירושלים , רוה”מ נתניהו ואני ביקרנו בתערוכה שהציגה מוצרי חדשנות מיוחדים מעולם הטכנולוגיה . קיבלתי הצצה לעבודות חלוציות של ישראלים צעירים בתחומי ה AI, קוונטום, בריאות, ביטחון סייבר, מקורות מים, חקלאות ועוד. עודדתי את החברות הישראליות להשקיע בהודו ולעבוד בשיתוף עם הצעירים… pic.twitter.com/qt1I4of4Z7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2026
Bilateral talks between Modi and Netanyahu are scheduled, with discussions expected to focus on the proposed India-Israel Free Trade Agreement. Modi said the agreement could unlock vast untapped potential in trade and economic cooperation.
On the final day of his visit, Modi will also pay homage at a Holocaust memorial and interact with members of the Indian-Jewish community before returning to New Delhi.
