December 22, 2020: The Trump administration presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Legion of Merit on December 21. Mr Modi was given this award for his leadership in elevating strategic partnership of the two countries.
This is the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit, which is given only to the Head of State or Government. The Legion of Merit was also awarded to the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison and the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.
“The award is in recognition of the Prime Minister’s steadfast leadership and vision for India’s emergence as a global power, and exemplary contribution made by him for the advancement of the India-United States strategic partnership and promoting global peace and prosperity,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the Ambassador of India to the United States, received the award on behalf of the Prime Minister.
The Legion of Merit is generally given for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements” and was first awarded in1942. The Legion of Merit is seventh in the order of precedence of all U.S. military awards. It is also the only U.S. military decoration that has distinct ranks, and the first U.S. medal to be awarded to citizens of other nations.
