Highlights:
- PM Modi was awarded for his leadership in boosting strategic US-India relations
- Ambassador of India to US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu of India accepted the award on his behalf
- Trump also awarded Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Legion of Merit award
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored by US President Donald Trump with the prestigious “Legion of Merit” to for his leadership in elevating the strategic partnership between the two countries and the emergence of India as a global force.
The award was accepted on behalf of PM Modi by India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu which was given by Robert O’Brien, the U.S. National Security Advisor to the White House.
“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
Mr O’Brien said in a tweet, “President Trump presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.”
The highest degree of Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit, which has only been granted to the Head of State or Government, was presented to PM Modi.
In recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision, he won the award, which has accelerated the rise of India as a global force and strengthened the strategic alliance between the United States and India to combat global challenges.
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In another tweet, Mr O’Brien said that Trump has also awarded Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the Legion of Merit. The awards were received in Washington DC by their respective ambassadors.
The Legion of Merit was awarded by President Trump to Shinzo Abe who was the former Japanese Prime Minister for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
Mr O’Brien tweeted that Trump had given the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global problems and promoting collective security.
The United States is the latest country to honor the prime minister with its highest award.
Other awards which have been awarded to PM includes the State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud by Saudi Arabia in 2016, Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018), the Russian Order of St Andrew (2019), the United Arab Emirates Order of Zayed Award (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives (2019).
