STANDING OVATION FOR MODI AS ISRAEL CONFERS TOP KNESSET MEDAL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset to a standing ovation on Wednesday, marking a historic first for India as Israel conferred upon him its highest parliamentary honour.

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Marking a new chapter in India-Israel relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset to a standing ovation on Wednesday as Israel conferred upon him its highest parliamentary honour, the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties through personal leadership.

Mr Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Israeli Parliament, describing it as a privilege to stand “as a representative of one ancient civilisation addressing another”. He conveyed the greetings of 1.4 billion Indians and spoke of a partnership founded on friendship, mutual respect and shared democratic values.

The Indian leader received a warm welcome upon arrival in Tel Aviv, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, personally received him at the airport in a gesture underscoring the closeness between the two leaders. Mr rival in Tel Aviv, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, personally received him at the airport in a gesture underscoring the closeness between the two leaders. Mr Netanyahu later described the relationship as a "wondrous friendship", both personal and national, and praised India as a country where Jews had never faced state persecution but had instead been welcomed and allowed to flourish. "In a world where anti-Semitism is rising, India stands out.

We don't forget that," he said.