New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Israel’s highest parliamentary honor, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, during his official visit to the nation. In a heartfelt gesture, PM Modi dedicated the prestigious award to the enduring friendship between India and Israel.
The honor recognizes PM Modi’s pivotal role in fortifying strategic ties between the two democracies. Speaking on X, formerly Twitter, Modi expressed profound pride: ‘Deeply honored to receive the Knesset Medal. I accept it with humility and gratitude. This is not for any individual but a seal on the India-Israel friendship, reflecting our shared values that guide us.’
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar echoed the sentiment, stating that the award aptly acknowledges PM Modi’s leadership in building and advancing the India-Israel partnership.
Addressing the Israeli Knesset post the conferment, PM Modi thanked the parliament and highlighted a key development: ‘I am pleased to inform this august house that the Indian Parliament has formed a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel. I invite you all to India and look forward to greater interactions between our parliamentarians.’
Modi underscored India’s economic ascent, noting, ‘India has been the world’s fastest-growing major economy for several years. Soon, we will be among the top three global economies. We are committed to boosting trade, strengthening investment flows, and advancing joint infrastructure development.’
Drawing philosophical parallels, he linked Israel’s ‘Tikkun Olam’ – repairing the world – with India’s ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the world is one family. ‘Both philosophies extend responsibility beyond borders,’ Modi affirmed, emphasizing shared civilizational legacies that underpin their partnership.
This milestone reinforces the multifaceted India-Israel relationship, spanning defense, technology, agriculture, and innovation, promising deeper collaboration ahead.