US President Donald Trump has presented America’s highest military decoration - 'The Legion of Merit' – award to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his strong leadership and vision under which India’s emergence as a global power has accelerated, and for elevating strategic partnership
between US and India.
Official sources said, The Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, conferred on Prime Minister Modi on behalf of the President, is a rarely awarded, prestigious decoration that can only be bestowed by Trump, typically to heads of state or heads of government of other countries. The award was accepted by India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on behalf of the prime
minister from US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at the White House.
The citation with the award states: “For exceptionally meritorious service as the Prime Minister of the Republic of India from May 2014 to August 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s steadfast leadership and vision have accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic partnership between the US and India to address global challenges. Prime Minister Modi’s personal engagement expanded US-India ties across all facets of the relationship, helping to establish a strong foundation for an enduring partnership that is based on shared commitment to freedom, democratic principles, the equal treatment of all citizens, and the rule of law.
“India is a key partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific, where the two countries are increasing
collaboration to ensure freedom of the seas, open and transparent investment and infrastructure
development, secure and reliable digital networks, and good governance.” In a glowing tribute, the citation also adds: “Prime Minister Modi’s personal initiative strengthened the defence partnership between the United States and India, enhancing the US’ ability to secure joint military cooperation that addressed shared challenges. His efforts to expand India’s economic cooperation with the US have advanced prosperity, investment and job creation in both countries.
“Prime Minister Modi’s superior effort, personal leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing strategic cooperation between the United States and India and promoting global peace and prosperity reflect great credit upon himself, the Indian armed forces, and his country.” The Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, is a domed five-pointed American white star plaque of
heraldic form bordered in purplish-red enamel 215/16 inches circumscribing diameter with 13 white stars on a blue field emerging from a circle of clouds; backing the star, a laurel wreath with pierced, crossed arrows pointing outward between each arm of the star and the wreath. The reverse is engraved with the words ‘United States of America.’
The decoration was last awarded in 1991. In September this year, after a very long gap, President
Trump awarded the Legion of Merit, Degree Chief Commander, to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait.
