Sunil Bharti Mittal Receives France’s Legion of Honour for Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour) has been awarded to Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder & Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. The honour has been bestowed upon him by Dr. Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India. The honour is in appreciation of Mr. Mittal’s contributions to the economic relationship between India and France, especially in the field of telecommunications and digital satellite communication.

France Recognizes Sunil Bharti Mittal for Strengthening Bilateral Ties

French ambassador Dr. Thierry Mathou noted that the award highlights Mr. Mittal’s role in ties between the two nations. His connection with French insurance firm AXA and telecommunications device manufacturing company Alcatel-Lucent, as well as cooperation with Eutelsat, were among the reasons for the award.

Mr. Mittal said that the award is a testimony of his long and fruitful business relations with France, which started back in 1992 with the partnership between Compagnie Générale des Eaux and Bharti for launching mobile telephony in India. He promised to reinforce economic cooperation.

What is Legion of Honour?

Legion of Honour (French Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) is the highest distinction of France.

Founded on 19 May 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, who was First Consul at that time, it honours outstanding services rendered to the country. It can be given to both French and non-French people.

The President of the French Republic acts as the Grand Master of this order and makes decisions on matters regarding national orders.

Sunil Bharti Mittal: Profile and Achievements

Sunil Bharti Mittal is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Bharti Enterprises, established in 1976. The company has diversified into areas like telecommunications, satellite communications, digital infrastructure, financial services, real estate and hospitality.

Bharti Airtel is the flagship company in the telecommunications segment of the concern. It offers its services in 17 countries across the Indian subcontinent and Africa with a clientele in excess of 650 million subscribers.

Mittal serves as the vice chair of Eutelsat, headquartered in Paris, and is also one of the directors at BT Group Plc, a telecommunications company based in the UK.