Legion of Merit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Legion of Merit’ by U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in advancing the India-U.S. relationship.
The award was also presented to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
India, the U.S., Japan and Australia constitute the ‘Quad’ group of countries – seen as an alternative to Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

While the India-US relationship has had its challenges under the Trump administration, such as on the trade front, the security relationship grew over the last four years and the Quad was strengthened.
Mr. Morrison was presented the award for “addressing global challenges and promoting collective security” and Mr. Abe “for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific”.
The Legion of Merit, instituted in 1942 by former U.S President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces and also members of foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) armed forces and sometimes heads of state or government.
Other Indians who have won the award include Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa who had received the Legion of Merit in 1949 from then U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

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