Srinagar, Oct 12: Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been named a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian distinction, by French President Emmanuel Macron.
An official spokesperson of the company said the honour recognises Mittal’s longstanding contribution to strengthening economic ties between India and France, as well as his achievements in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour is France’s highest civilian award.
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou said Mittal had nurtured relations between the two countries for more than three decades, beginning with Airtel’s launch in 1992. He highlighted Mittal’s current role as Vice-Chairman of Eutelsat and his contribution to advancing cooperation in space and digital technology.
Reacting to the honour, Mittal said he was “moved and humbled” by the recognition, recalling his association with France since Airtel’s inception. He said he accepted the distinction with gratitude and renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The insignia will be presented at a ceremony on October 28, 2026, at the Embassy of France in New Delhi.
Mittal was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2007. In 2024, he became the first Indian citizen to receive an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) from King Charles III.
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