Sunil Bharti Mittal receives honorary knighthood from King Charles III | India News – Business Standard

Sunil Bharti Mittal (Photo: Bloomberg)

Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was given an honorary knighthood by King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Mittal has become the first Indian to receive the knighthood from King Charles.

He was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. The Knighthood is one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by the British sovereign. Foreigners receive it as an honorary award.

“I am deeply humbled by this gracious recognition from His Majesty, King Charles. Britain and India enjoy historic relations, which are now entering a new era of increasing cooperation and cooperation,” Sunil Bharti Mittal said.

“I remain committed to strengthening economic and bilateral trade relations between our two great countries. I am grateful to the UK Government, whose support and keen attention to the needs of business have been crucial in making the country an attractive investment. destination,” he added.

Sunil Bharti Mittal received Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, in 2007. During the Indian G20 presidency, he chaired the B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration. He is also acting commissioner of the International Telecommunication Union/UNESCO Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.

Knighthood, the Knight Commander (KBE), is awarded for a distinguished contribution in any area of ​​activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level) or in a capacity regarded by peer groups at national level as inspiring and influential and demonstrating sustainable commitment.

The KBE is awarded as an honorary title to foreigners. While the knighthood granted to British nationals gives them the title of Sir or Dame, non-British nationals who receive the honor add KBE (or DBE for women) after their names rather than using titles such as Sir or Dame. Ratan Tata (2009), Ravi Shankar (2001) and Jamshed Irani (1997) are among the previous honorary KBE recipients.

First print: February 28, 2024 | 5:46 PM IST