Bhubaneswar, Feb. 26 -- The Knesset on Wednesday conferred the "Speaker of the Knesset Medal" - its highest honour - upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his address to the Israeli Parliament. He is the first leader to receive the medal.

The award was presented in recognition of PM Modi's "exceptional contribution through his personal leadership" in strengthening strategic relations between India and Israel. The honour was conferred after his speech, which received a standing ovation and rapturous applause from members.

After the ceremony, PM Modi interacted with members of the Israeli Parliament, with several MPs taking selfies and photographs with him. In his address, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted t...