On 12 October 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron named Sunil Bharti Mittal a Chevalier, or Knight, of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Mittal is the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. France established the Legion of Honour in 1802 under Napoleon Bonaparte.
National Order of the Legion of Honour
The National Order of the Legion of Honour is France’s highest national distinction. It recognises outstanding service to France in civilian or military life and may be conferred on French citizens and foreign nationals. Its five ranks, from lowest to highest, are Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier and Grand-Croix. The insignia for Mittal’s Chevalier rank is scheduled to be presented on 28 October 2026 at the Embassy of France in New Delhi. The award recognises his efforts to deepen economic ties between India and France, as well as his contributions to telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
Sunil Bharti Mittal and India–France ties
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou referred to Mittal’s more than three-decade association with France. The association dates to the beginnings of Airtel in 1992. Mittal is also Co-Chairman of Eutelsat, a global satellite operator headquartered in France. Mittal said he was “moved and humbled” by the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening economic relations between India and France. The formal presentation of the insignia is scheduled to take place after the announcement of the award.
Other international honours
In 2024, Mittal became the first Indian citizen to receive the rank of Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). King Charles III conferred the British honour. The KBE is one of the five ranks in the Order of the British Empire, which recognises contributions to arts and sciences, public service and charitable work, among other fields.
Important Facts for Exams
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- Napoleon Bonaparte established the National Order of the Legion of Honour in 1802.
- Chevalier is the first and lowest rank in the National Order of the Legion of Honour.
- The five ranks of the National Order of the Legion of Honour are Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier and Grand-Croix.
- The KBE rank belongs to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The Legion of Honour recognises civilian and military merit, while its recipients include French citizens and foreign nationals. Mittal’s announced distinction is at the Chevalier rank.
