Indian Ambassador to the US Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu accepted the medal on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.
In a statement after the ceremony, the External Affairs Ministry said that the award recognized the Prime Minister's steadfast leadership and vision for India's emergence as a global power.
The award also acknowledged the contribution made by Prime Minister Modi for the advancement of India-United States strategic partnership and promoting global peace and prosperity, the statement added.The Legion of Merit, in the highest degree of the Chief Commander, is a prestigious award conferred by the US President, usually upon Heads of State or Heads of Government of other countries.At the same ceremony, Australia PM Scott Morrison and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe were also bestowed with the Legion of Merit honour.