Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday became part of a select group of world leaders who received the highest honors from both Israel and Palestine.
The Prime Minister is on a two-day state visit to Israel, his second trip to the country during his 10-year tenure in India’s top office. His last visit to Israel was in 2017.
Modi became the first Indian prime minister to address Israel’s parliament, as the country’s lawmakers greeted him with chants of “Modi, Modi” and warm applause on Wednesday.
Following his speech in the Israeli parliament, the Prime Minister was awarded the Knesset Speaker’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the Knesset. Prime Minister Modi is also the world’s leading recipient of this medal.
Prime Minister Modi was honored with the medal in recognition of his exceptional contribution through his personal leadership to strengthen India-Israel relations.
The Prime Minister expressed his “deep honour” to be awarded the medal, saying in a post on X that he accepted it “with humility and gratitude”.
“This honor is not in honor of an individual, but rather of the enduring friendship between India and Israel. It reflects the shared values that guide our two countries,” he added.
The highest Palestinian award
In 2018, Prime Minister Modi was awarded the Grand Order of the State of Palestine, considered the highest Palestinian award for foreign leaders.
The Grand Collar is given to foreign dignitaries of the highest rank, such as kings, heads of state/government and persons of similar rank.
Prime Minister Modi received this honor during his first visit to Palestine, which is the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had said at the time that it was a good opportunity to express to Prime Minister Modi “how much respect and how high a position you hold personally through your wise, creative and courageous leadership and in laying the foundations of peace and stability in our region and the world.”
Appreciating Prime Minister Modi’s contributions, Abbas said Palestine presented the Indian leader with the country’s “highest honour”, LiveMint reported earlier.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the honor and said it is a matter of pride for India, adding that it also reflects the friendship between India and Palestine.
Prime Minister Modi addresses the Israeli Parliament
Prime Minister Modi received a standing ovation during his speech in the Knesset.
In his speech, the Prime Minister praised Israel’s determination, courage and achievements. He added: “Long before we were connected to each other as modern nations, we had ties dating back more than two thousand years. The Book of Esther refers to India as Hoodoo. The Talmud records trade with India in ancient times.”
Prime Minister Modi said he was born on the same day India officially recognized Israel. He stated that it was a “privilege and an honour” to address the Knesset, adding that he was not only speaking in the Israeli Parliament in his capacity as the Indian Prime Minister, but “also as a representative of an ancient civilization addressing another”.
He consoled those killed in the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, condemning it and describing it as “barbaric.” “We feel your pain, and we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with complete conviction at this moment and beyond,” Prime Minister Modi said in his speech.
He referred to India’s confrontation with terrorism, recalling the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. “Like you, we have a consistent and strict policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and no double standards,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister also expressed his support for the Gaza peace initiative, saying that it holds the promise of achieving “lasting peace in the region.” He added, “India supports all efforts that contribute to achieving lasting peace and regional stability.”
Prime Minister Modi informed the Knesset that the Indian Parliament has established a Parliamentary Friendship Group for Israel. “I invite you all to visit India and look forward to further exchanges between members of our Parliament,” he added.
(with ANI input)
