Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Israel tour reached a pivotal moment as he delivered a historic speech to the Knesset and received its top honor, followed by a symbolic joint ride with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to a museum highlighting technological marvels.
The event unfolded in Jerusalem’s parliamentary halls, where Modi’s address marked a milestone—no Indian PM had previously spoken there. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana immediately conferred the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ upon him, celebrating Modi’s contributions to fostering India-Israel ties.
In his emotive speech, Modi thanked the assembly and framed the award as an emblem of enduring democratic solidarity. He highlighted mutual advancements in innovation, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development that bind the nations.
Post-speech, Modi shared a candid photo on social media capturing him and Netanyahu in a single car en route to the exhibit. ‘Heading to an exhibition that displays progress in the world of technology with PM Netanyahu after my Knesset address,’ he captioned it, blending formality with warmth.
Modi’s global stature continues to soar with this accolade. Echoing his 2018 receipt of Palestine’s Grand Collar—their supreme foreign honor—he exemplifies rare statesmanship bridging divides in a complex region.
Amid broader discussions on cybersecurity, startups, and defense tech, this visit reinforces a partnership that has grown exponentially since Modi’s 2017 trip. The car ride, though brief, encapsulates the trust enabling deals worth billions in joint ventures. As Modi engages further with Israeli innovators, expectations run high for breakthroughs that could redefine bilateral cooperation.