The Israeli Parliament on Wednesday conferredPrime Minister Narendra Modiwith "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" - the highest honour of the Knesset, after he concluded his historic address amid 'Modi-Modi' chants and multiple standing ovations, by the members of the House. PM Modi spoke at the Knesset to mark the special strategic ties and relationship between two friendly countries that have tested the times and backed each other whenever times required. Praising and thanking India and its leadership under PM Modi, Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu said that they have stood by truth, and with Israel.
Meanwhile, the 'Speaker of the Knesset Medal' was conferred in recognition of PM’s exceptional contribution – through his personal leadership –to strengthen strategic relations between India and Israel. The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to Israel.
In his address at the Knesset earlier, Prime Minister said, "...In Israel, the principle of Tikkun Olam speaks of healing the world. In India, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam affirms that the world is one family. Both ideas extend responsibility beyond immediate boundaries. They ask societies to act with compassion and moral courage... You celebrate Hanukkah with the bomb glow of candles. Around the same time, we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, with the gentle radiance of lamps. Soon, India will celebrate the festival of Holi, filled with happiness and colour. And around the same time, Israel will also celebrate Purim with enthusiasm and joy."
"Let us ensure that the friendship between India and Israel remains a source of strength in an uncertain world," Prime Minister said.
Affirming India's close ties with Israel, PM Modi 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.
Addressing the Knesset, PM Modi expressed deepest condolences to the people of Israel for every life lost in the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
He said countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action, because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere.
"It is a privilege and honour for me to stand before this diistinguished house. 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," PM Modi said.
"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 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," he added.
PM Modi said no cause can justify the murder of civilians and nothing can justify terrorism.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
