Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday conferred with the ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ in recognition of his exceptional contribution to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel.
The Indian Prime Minister is the first leader to receive this medal, which is the highest honour of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament. The award was conferred by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana after Prime Minister Modi’s address at the Israeli Parliament.
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The medal was presented in recognition of the prime minister’s exceptional contribution, through his personal leadership, to strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. The honour underscores the growing partnership between the two nations and acknowledges his role in elevating bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi is a rare world leader who has received top awards from both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, he was conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine, the highest Palestinian honour for foreign leaders.
Addressing the Knesset, Israel’s house of representatives, Prime Minister Modi asserted that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere,” as he threw New Delhi’s weight behind the Gaza peace initiative, saying it holds the promise of a “just and durable peace” in the region.
His address came hours after he landed in Israel to a rousing welcome, with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara receiving him at the Ben Gurion Airport.
Conveying India’s deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the terror attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Modi said, “I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas.”
“We feel your pain, we share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly and with full conviction in this moment and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” he said.
Stressing that India has endured the pain of terrorism for a long time, the prime minister recalled the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the innocent lives lost, including Israeli citizens.
“Like Israel, we have a consistent and uncompromising policy of zero tolerance for terrorism with no double standards,” Modi said. “Terrorism aims to destabilise societies, to block development and to erode trust. Countering terrorism requires sustained and coordinated global action because terror anywhere threatens peace everywhere. That is why India supports all efforts that contribute to durable peace and regional stability.”
Referring to ongoing efforts for peace, the prime minister said the Gaza peace initiative “offers a pathway.”
“The Gaza peace initiative that was endorsed by the UN Security Council offers a pathway. India has expressed its firm support for the initiative,” he said.
“We believe that it holds the promise of a just and durable peace for all the people of the region, including by addressing the Palestine issue.”
“Let all our efforts be guided by wisdom, courage, and humanity. The road to peace is not always easy, but India joins you and the world for dialogue, peace and stability in this region,” Modi added.
In India, there is great admiration for Israel’s resolve, courage and achievements, he said.
This marks his second visit to Israel in nine years. The India-Israel relationship was elevated to the level of a strategic partnership during his first visit to the country in July 2017, laying the foundation for expanded cooperation across sectors.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
