In a historic accolade, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom. Mittal becomes the first Indian citizen to receive this prestigious honor, being appointed as Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by King Charles III. This recognition is attributed to Mittal's significant contributions to fostering business relations between the UK and India.
The KBE, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the British sovereign to civilians, is awarded in an honorary capacity to foreign nationals. Expressing his gratitude, Mittal remarked, "I am deeply humbled by this gracious recognition from His Majesty, King Charles". He emphasized the historical ties between the UK and India, heralding a new era of enhanced cooperation and collaboration.
Mittal reiterated his commitment to bolstering economic and trade relationships between the two nations, citing the pivotal role played by the UK government in fostering an attractive investment environment. He expressed appreciation for the government's support and attentive approach to business needs.
This latest honor adds to Mittal's already illustrious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, conferred upon him in 2007 for his exemplary service and contributions of distinguished merit.
Sunil Bharti Mittal's remarkable achievements continue to underscore his enduring dedication to fostering global partnerships and driving economic growth.