France honoured Bharti Enterprises Founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal with the Knight of the National Order distinction of the Legion of Honour for his role in deepening economic ties between India and France and achievements in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
“Sunil Bharti Mittal has been a friend of France for more than thirty years, since the early days of Airtel in 1992. He has shown what French and Indian business endeavours can achieve together. Today he advances these relations as Vice-Chairman of Eutelsat, at a time when our two countries are moving forward jointly in space and digital technology,” said Ambassador Thierry Mathou.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Légion d’Honneur is the highest civilian award bestowed by the French Republic. The insignia will be conferred on October 28 at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
Speaking on this recognition, Mittal said, “My association with France began when Compagnie Générale des Eaux joined hands with Bharti to introduce mobile telephony in India. It continues today through my role as Co-Chairman of Eutelsat, the European satellite champion. I accept this honour with gratitude to the President of the French Republic, H.E. Mr. Emmamuel Macron and with a renewed commitment to further deepen the economic ties between India and France.”
Mittal has previously received the Padma Bhushan in 2007 and became the first Indian citizen to be honoured as a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by King Charles III i 2024.
Published on October 12, 2026
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