Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined a rare group of global leaders who have received the highest state honours from both Israel and Palestine. During his two-day state visit to Israel- his second visit after 2017- he was awarded the top honour of the Israeli Parliament. Earlier, in 2018, he received the highest civilian award from Palestine.
Highest Israeli Honour
The Knesset conferred the Speaker of the Knesset Medal on Prime Minister Modi after his address to the Israeli Parliament.
Key Points:
- It is the highest honour of the Knesset.
- PM Modi is the first leader to receive this medal.
- The award recognises his personal leadership in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
- The visit marked his second trip to Israel during his tenure, the first being in 2017 — the first-ever standalone visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel.
Highest Palestinian Honour
In 2018, PM Modi was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour awarded to foreign dignitaries.
Key Points:
- Awarded during his first visit to Palestine.
- Marked the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Palestine.
- The Grand Collar is reserved for:
- Kings
- Heads of State/Government
- Dignitaries of equivalent rank
The honour recognised India’s support for Palestinian development and bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic Significance
Receiving top honours from both Israel and Palestine reflects:
- India’s balanced West Asia policy.
- Strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
- India’s ability to maintain strong ties with both sides despite regional sensitivities.
- Expansion of India’s diplomatic footprint in the Middle East.
India supports:
- A two-state solution.
- Strong bilateral cooperation with Israel in defence, agriculture, and technology.
- Developmental and political engagement with Palestine.
Other Major International Honours Received by PM Modi
Below are some of the top global honours conferred upon PM Modi:
- Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Bhutan, 2021) – Highest civilian decoration of Bhutan.
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France, 2023) – France’s highest civilian and military honour.
- Order of Zayed (UAE, 2019) – UAE’s top civilian award.
- Order of the Nile (Egypt, 2023) – Egypt’s highest state honour.
- Order of St. Andrew the Apostle (Russia, 2019) – Russia’s top civilian honour.
- Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia, 2016) – Highest civilian honour.
- Grand Cross of the Order of Honour (Greece, 2023) – Recognition for strengthening bilateral friendship.
- Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil, 2025) – Highest civilian honour.
- Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (Nigeria, 2024) – Recognised for statesmanship.
- Order of Oman (Oman, 2025) – For strengthening bilateral ties.
- Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia (Ethiopia, 2025) – Top civilian award.