In a sign of its rapidly deepening ties of friendship and cooperation with India, Israel awarded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the Knesset Medal on Wednesday, marking him as the first-ever recipient of this brand-new honor to show deep appreciation for those who have made significant contributions to the Jewish state.

As Modi stepped away from the podium, the assembly burst into a chant of his name while Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana affixed the medal around his neck.

In his Knesset speech, Modi condemned the Oct. 7 attack while emphasizing India’s support for and solidarity with Israel, having endured its own trials with terrorism. He praised Israel for its uncompromising and unwavering commitment to root out terror and also lauded the country for its leadership in technological innovation.

“Israel is a powerhouse of innovation and technological leadership,” he said, which forms “a natural basis for a future-oriented partnership. While noting that both Israel and India are ancient civilizations, he stressed the millennia-long history of India’s tolerance toward its Jewish population.

Modi announced that Israel had created a partnership group of lawmakers to work with each other to strengthen ties between the two countries. He added that both countries agreed to increase trade with and investment in each other, and the trade agreement they signed last year created “certainty and clear prospects” for each country’s businesses.

The prime minister concluded his speech with “Am Yisrael Chai” to a standing ovation and chants of his name.

Modi later posted about receiving the medal on X.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Medal of the Knesset,” he wrote. “I accept it with humility and gratitude.”

“This honour is not a tribute to an individual, but to the enduring friendship between India and Israel,” he added. “It reflects the shared values that guide our two nations.”