New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with the prestigious Legion of Merit by US President Donald Trump for his leadership in elevating strategic partnership of the two countries and emergence of India as a global power. 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.


Award given for PM Modi’s leadership and vision:

In recognition of the steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as global power and for the uplifting of the strategic partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges.

On the behalf of PM Modi, Taranjit Sandhu, India’s ambassador to the US accepted the award from the country’s National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien.

Scott Morrison and Shinzo Abe also presented the award:

Trump also presented the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The awards were received by their respective ambassadors in Washington DC.

Abe was given the award for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, while Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security, said O'Brien in a series of tweets.

The United States is the latest country to confer its highest award to the Indian prime minister.

It is to be noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received several honours from different countries in the six years as Indian PM.

Here is a look at other awards given to him:

  • 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)