Israel Parliament confers ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ upon PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited Yad Vashem memorial here and paid tributes to the victims of the Holocaust.

PM Modi was accompanied by his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.

At the start of the visit, the two leaders toured the Hall of Names, during which Netanyahu showed Modi the names of his wife Sara's relatives who perished in the Holocaust.

Following the tour, a memorial ceremony was held, in which Prime Minister Modi laid a wreath and placed a stone to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust.

"Honouring the memory of victims of the Holocaust and renewing our shared commitment to uphold peace and human dignity. PM @narendramodi visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Centre," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X

PM Modi first visited Israel as prime minister in 2017, prior to Netanyahu making a reciprocal visit to India the following year, as per AFP.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to X and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on receiving such a prestigious honour.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi on being conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal by the Knesset, one of the highest parliamentary honours of Israel." Rajnath Singh posted.

The defence minister also said that the distinguished recognition reflects the deep trust, mutual respect and strategic convergence that define the India-Israel partnership today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel and said he was happy to come back to a land to which he has always felt drawn.

"Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," said PM Modi, reported ANI.

Ori Kadvil, a member of the Jewish Indian community in Israel, shared an anecdote about discussing plans for a 200-participant hackathon with a friend in India. He recounted that his friend responded by saying hackathons in India often involve 200 teams, a remark that left him and his Israeli colleagues astonished, as per ANI.

He noted that many in Israel are impressed by India’s strength and potential in science and technology, and expressed hope that the two countries could combine their capabilities to create impactful innovations for their people and the world.

Kadvil also described his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a memorable and joyful occasion, adding that he and his colleagues felt honoured by the Prime Minister’s visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened his address by thanking the Speaker for the special recognition.

He said he was deeply honoured to receive the ‘Speaker of the Knesset’ medal and dedicated the award to the lasting friendship and shared democratic values of the two nations, as per ANI.

Emphasising the close ties between India and Israel, PM Modi highlighted that the two countries are connected not only by ancient civilisational links but also by a strong modern partnership built on technology, innovation, defence, security and strategic alignment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Israel visit on Wednesday was described as a “very important context" by foreign affairs expert Mahesh Sachdev.

Speaking to ANI, Sachdev said, "Prime Minister's visit to Israel takes place against a very important context. There is no doubt that India-Israel relations have acquired strategic connotations, and they have grown with both sides being enthusiastic about their promotion."

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the Medal of the Knesset, making him the first-ever recipient of the distinction, according to ANI.

Jaiswal added that the PM Modi dedicated the honour to the lasting friendship and shared democratic values between the two nations.

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Knesset, PM Modi said countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
"Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That's why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability," he said.

PM Modi is a world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, PM Narendra Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, which is the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders. Today, he was conferred the highest honour of the Knesset.

PM Modi is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset - the Israeli Parliament. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana conferred the award on the prime minister after his address at the Israeli Parliament.

Israel Parliament conferred ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the highest honour of the Knesset

Affirming India's close ties with Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday noted that he was born on the same day that India formally recognised Israel and said he is very happy returning to a land to which he has always felt drawn.
"Nine years ago, I had the good fortune to be the first PM of India to visit Israel, and I'm very happy to be here again, returning to a land to which I always felt drawn. After all, I was on the same day that India formally recognised Israel, September 17, 1950," said PM Modi, reported ANI.

Addressing the Knesset, the Indian prime minister said that there was no cause in the world which can justify murder of innocent civilians. “No cause can justify the murder of civilians as he also emphasised India's no tolerance policy for terrorism.

"Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time. We remember the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens. Like you, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” he said.

PM Modi said that India's connection to this land [Israel] is also written in blood and sacrifice. “During the First World War, more than 4,000 Indian soldiers laid down their lives in this region,” he said.

Addressing the Knesset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, emphasising that terror anywhere poses a threat to peace everywhere.

“Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” said PM Modi in Knesset.

“India supports Gaza peace initiative; it holds promise for a just and durable peace for the region. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” said PM Modi in Knesset.

“The Gaza Peace Initiative, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative. We believe that it holds the promise of a just and lasting peace for all the people in the region, including by addressing the Palestinian issue. Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity.”

Speaking of the Gaza peace initiative, PM Modi said that road to peace is not an easy one, adding that let all efforts be guided by wisdom.

PM Modi also condemned "barbaric terrorist attack" by Hamas on October 7, 2023, says “we feel your pain, we share your grief.”

“India stands with Israel firmly with full conviction in this moment,” PM Modi tells Israeli Parliament.

Addressing the Israeli Parliament, PM Modi said that it was a priviledge for him to stand before the Israeli parliament.

“I do so as the Prime Minister of India and also as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another. I bring with me the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and a message of friendship, respect and partnership,” he said.

PM Modi began the address to Knesset – the Israeli Parliament – with ‘Shalom’. He also thanked the Israeli prime minister, the Leader of Opposition, Yair Lapid, and the Knesset.

In a world where anti-Semitism is rising, India stands out. A civilisation where Jews were never persecuted by the state, only welcomed. We don't forget that, too. Thank you, India - Benjamin Netanyahu

Addressing Parliament ahead of PM Modi's speech, Benjamin Netanyahu said the alliance between two gigantic powers was an ‘enormous multiplier of our individual powers’. He also spoke of the ‘Modi hug’ which he said was well known around the world.

“Earlier today, my wife Sara and I greeted you at the airport. And just as you came down the steps, we embraced each other. Prime Minister Modi's personal embrace is something special. It's called the Modi hug. It's well known around the world. And when you hug someone, closely, truly, you know it's not an act. It's a real thing. It's called the Modi hug,” Netanyahu said.

PM Narendra Modi receives a standing ovation as he arrives at the Knesset, Israeli Parliament.

PM Narendra Modi has arrived at the Knesset, Israeli parliament. PM Modi will shortly address the Israeli parliament. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, are also present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses cultural performances as he arrives at a hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel. He also interacts with the members of the Indian diaspora present.

As PM Narendra Modi landed in Isarel for a two-day visit, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, “My wife Sara and I welcomed today our good friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, who has arrived for another historic visit to Israel. Prime Minister Modi previously visited Israel in 2017, and I later paid a reciprocal visit to India that was truly exceptional.”

“We share a close personal relationship, speak often, and I believe that the deep friendship between us powerfully reflects on the ties between our two countries.”

Sharing the itinerary, Benjamin Netanyahu said the two leaders will attend a festive reception at the Knesset, “visit an innovation event in Jerusalem, and host Prime Minister Modi for a joint dinner.”

“Tomorrow we will visit Yad Vashem, and afterwards hold another meeting together with our teams, during which we will sign a series of agreements in the economic, security, and diplomatic spheres that will further advance cooperation between Israel and India,” he said.

On PM Modi's visit, a member of the Indo-Israeli diaspora, Eva said that the Indian diaspora is 'very excited to meet the Indian prime minister. “We are very excited to meet PM Modi... We still follow the traditions that we used to follow in India... We love India... I will tell him (PM Modi) that he is doing a wonderful job... We really love him,” he said.

“For many years, there has been a big cultural and business connection... The bond is very strong. My parents are originally from India,” another said.

PM Modi Israel visit LIVE: Top of the agenda for PM Modi are defense talks, a commitment to cooperate on counter-terrorism, and talks about the free trade agreement, reported Bloomberg, citing officials in New Delhi familiar with the matter

PM Modi Israel visit LIVE: PM Netanyahu posted a video of Modi landing in Tel Aviv. He greeted his Indian counterpart with a Namaste gesture, and posted a video of the same on X. He captioned the post "Welcome to Israel my dear friend @narendramodi," adding Indian and Israeli flags

PM Modi Israel visit LIVE: Chairman of Congress' Media and Publicity Department, Pawan Khera raised questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits just as the PM landed in Israel for a two-day visit.
Speaking to ANI, Pawan Khera said, "Is Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister? At whose behest does the Prime Minister go abroad? Under whose pressure did he agree to the trade deal? Who is in the government? If people were upset with us, that is between them (public) and us. Now, you should be answering the questions after being in power for 12 years. What is your connection to Epstein? Why are you scared?"

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed PM Modi with a warm embrace. He also joked about how Modi's pocket square matches his wife's outfit, reported RT

According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight to Tel Aviv aboard INDIA1 became the most tracked in the world around 4 pm, with at least 9,225 people following it in real time.

Defence companies such as Bharat Electronics (BEL), Bharat Dynamics (BDL), and Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) stand to benefit from potential joint ventures and technology partnerships between India and Israel, analysts said. Read here