US President Donald Trump on Monday presented the prestigious Legion of Merit, a top US honour, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the strategic partnership of India and the US and emergence of India as a global power.
Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to the US, accepted the award on behalf of PM Modi from Robert O’Brien, the US National Security Advisor at the White House.
The US National Security Advisor, Mr O’Brien tweeted, “President Trump presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.”
“President @realDonaldTrump presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the U.S.-India strategic partnership. Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS accepted the medal on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.” –NSA Robert C. O’Brien pic.twitter.com/QhOjTROdCC
— NSC (@WHNSC) December 21, 2020
PM Modi was presented with the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit, which is given only to the Head of State or Government.
PM Modi was given the award in recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges.
Also Read: Joe Biden as Captain America, Trump as Thanos: US Elections gets Avengers makeover
The Legion of Merit Medal is a five-rayed white cross, edged with red, resting on a green wreath with a blue centre containing 13 white stars.
The United States is the latest country to confer its highest award to the Indian Prime Minister. Other awards include Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud by Saudi Arabia in 2016, State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018), Order of Zayed Award by United Arab Emirates (2019), Order of St Andrew by Russia (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives (2019).