Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal received the prestigious Honorary Knighthood (KBE) medal from the British High Commission in India on February 22, recognizing his leadership and business contributions that have strengthened India-UK relations. The investiture ceremony was held in New Delhi.
Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has been awarded the Honorary Knighthood (KBE) by the British High Commission in India for his remarkable contributions to business and strengthening India-UK economic relations. The prestigious honor was conferred in a special investiture ceremony in New Delhi.
Bharti Enterprises, founded by Mittal, is one of India’s largest multinational conglomerates, with major interests in telecommunications (Airtel), real estate, hospitality, and financial services. The group has played a significant role in global business expansion, including investments in BT Group, Gleneagles, Norlake Hospitality, and OneWeb in the United Kingdom.
Recognition for Strengthening India-UK Ties
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron presented the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) medal to Mittal, acknowledging his efforts in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations.
“I was delighted to present Sunil Bharti Mittal the KBE medal on behalf of His Majesty the King. Mr. Mittal has been a great friend of the UK, making significant investments and strengthening economic ties between our two nations,” Cameron stated.
Mittal expressed gratitude for the honor, highlighting the importance of bilateral trade and investment.
“It is an honor to receive the KBE from His Majesty King Charles III. As India and the UK continue to strengthen their partnership, I see this recognition as both a privilege and a responsibility. I remain committed to advancing business relations between our nations,” Mittal said.
A Key Player in India-UK Economic Growth
Mittal has been instrumental in leading Indian business delegations to the UK and fostering collaboration with top UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Foreign Secretary, and other key ministers. His contributions have opened new avenues for investment, trade, and technological advancements between India and the UK.
Under his leadership, Bharti Enterprises has expanded globally, particularly in the UK, where OneWeb, a satellite communications company, has been at the forefront of global connectivity solutions. Additionally, his investments in BT Group and Gleneagles have strengthened India’s economic footprint in the UK.
The Significance of the KBE Honor
The KBE (Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is one of the highest honors bestowed by the British monarchy to foreign nationals who have made outstanding contributions to global business, diplomacy, and international relations.
Sunil Bharti Mittal now joins a distinguished list of global leaders, including Ratan Tata and Narayana Murthy, who have received this prestigious recognition.
As India continues to play a crucial role in the global economy, Mittal’s Knighthood serves as a symbol of the growing influence of Indian businesses on the world stage.