The award was conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in strengthening the India-U.S. strategic partnership and his efforts to help India emerge as a global power. It also recognized his role in advancing cooperation in defense, trade, and technology.
While Donald Trump presented the award, India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Taranjit Singh Sandhu, formally received it on behalf of the Indian Prime Minister, as Prime Minister Modi was unable to travel to the U.S. due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legion of Merit is a prestigious award presented by the U.S. President to foreign heads of state or government who have demonstrated exceptionally meritorious service in their leadership roles.
Degree of Chief Commander is the highest class of the Legion of Merit and is typically given to heads of state or government for extraordinary service to the U.S.
This award highlights the strong relationship between India and the U.S. and the mutual recognition of leadership on the global stage.
