What is the 'Speaker of Knesset Medal' that Israel awarded PM Modi?

On Day 1 of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, he was awarded the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ after addressing Israel’s parliament. With this, he became the first Indian prime minister to receive the high honour.

The medal presented by the Israeli parliament symbolises a deep appreciation for the recipient’s contributions to Israel and the Jewish people. It was presented to Modi by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, while a crowd chanted his name as he left the podium.

Here is all you need to know about the medal.

PM Modi receives Speaker of the Knesset medal

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' on Wednesday (February 25) while addressing the Israeli parliament.

• He received the Knesset’s highest distinction in recognition of his leadership in advancing strategic cooperation between India and Israel.

• An official statement read, “During his tenure, cooperation in the fields of security and technology expanded, including joint security technological developments, innovation, and cyber.”

• While presenting the honour, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana said, “The awarding of the decoration to Prime Minister Modi expresses our deep appreciation for his work to create a strategic alliance between Israel and India.”

• PM Modi expressed gratitude for the honour on the social media platform X. He wrote, “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.”

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

More from Explainers

PM Modi conferred Speaker of the Knesset Medal, says honour reflects ‘enduring friendship’ between India and Israel Israel's Knesset illuminates in tricolour ahead of PM Modi's visit

• PM Modi is one of the world’s few leaders to have been conferred the top civilian honours from both Israel and Palestine.

• In 2018, he was presented with the ‘Grand Collar of the State of Palestine’, the highest Palestinian honour given to foreign leaders.

About the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’

• The ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ is the highest honour awarded by the Israeli Parliament.

• It is presented by the Speaker of the Knesset to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the State of Israel, its parliament, or its international standing.

• The medal features a detailed depiction of the Knesset along with an inscription in Hebrew and English on the front, while an image of United Jerusalem is displayed on the back of the medal.

• Recipients often receive their medals in specially crafted olive wood boxes, a traditional symbol of peace and the land of Israel.

• It is presented to foreign heads of state and government, prominent political leaders, and individuals who have significantly supported Israel.

Other global recognitions PM Modi has won

• This is not the first time that PM Modi has been awarded an accolade in a country. He has received over 30 international awards and honours since 2014, including the highest civilian decorations from several nations.

• Last year, he received the highest honour from Oman, Ethiopia, and Brazil - The First Class of the Order of Oman, Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia, and Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, respectively.

• PM Modi also holds the Order of the Nile, Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian and military distinction, and Order of Zayed, the highest civilian award of the United Arab Emirates, among other accolades.

With inputs from agencies