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‘Legion of Merit’ Award.
Why is it in news?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the ‘Legion of Merit’ by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Details:
- It has been awarded to Prime Minister of India for his role in advancing the India-U.S. relationship.
- The award was also presented to former 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.
- 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.
- The award is presented to foreign recipients in four categories: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire.
- Other Indians who have won the award include Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who received the Legion of Merit (Degree: Chief Commander) in 1949 from then U.S. President Harry S.Truman.