The KBE medal was presented to Mittal following the announcement in 2024 that His Majesty The King had graciously conferred upon him the Honorary Knighthood for his outstanding contributions to UK-India business relations
Sunil Bharti Mittal, the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was awarded the insignia of the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) in a special investiture ceremony held at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi. The ceremony was attended by friends and family, marking a significant moment in the ongoing collaboration between the United Kingdom and India.
The KBE medal was presented to Mittal following the announcement in 2024 that His Majesty The King had graciously conferred upon him the Honorary Knighthood for his outstanding contributions to UK-India business relations. This recognition highlights Mittal’s pivotal role in fostering economic ties between the two nations, particularly through his significant investments in the UK.
Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, expressed her delight in presenting the KBE medal to Mittal on behalf of His Majesty the King. She emphasised Mittal’s status as a great friend of the UK, citing his substantial investments in British companies such as BT, Gleneagles, Norlake Hospitality, and OneWeb. Cameron highlighted Mittal’s leadership in strengthening the UK-India partnership through his work with the India-UK CEO Forum.
“Mittal’s leadership has made a lasting impact on the UK-India partnership,” said Cameron. “Most recently, he led a senior Indian business delegation to the UK to meet with Prime Minister Starmer, the Foreign Secretary, the Chancellor, and other Cabinet Ministers to identify opportunities for accelerating economic growth across both nations. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mr. Mittal and congratulate him once again.”
In response to the honor, Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed his gratitude and commitment to furthering the bilateral relations between India and the United Kingdom. “It is an honor to have received the KBE from His Majesty, King Charles III,” said Mittal. “As India and the United Kingdom continue to chart remarkable scale in our bilateral relations, I acknowledge this recognition both as a privilege and a responsibility. I remain committed to working with stakeholders in our nations towards advancing India – UK business relations.”
Mittal also took the opportunity to extend his thanks to all those who have supported him throughout his journey. “On the occasion of this very special milestone, I extend my gratitude to all for their support through this journey,” he said.
The investiture ceremony not only celebrated Mittal’s contributions but also underscored the deepening economic and diplomatic ties between India and the UK. The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and the potential for further growth in areas such as technology, hospitality, and telecommunications.
Mittal’s receipt of the KBE medal is a testament to his leadership and vision in the business world. His investments and initiatives have played a crucial role in enhancing the UK-India partnership, fostering mutual economic growth, and creating new opportunities for both nations.
As both countries look to the future, the contributions of individuals like Mittal will undoubtedly continue to shape the trajectory of their bilateral relations. The KBE medal serves as a reminder of the significant impact that visionary leaders can have on global economic and diplomatic landscapes.
The presentation of the KBE medal to Sunil Bharti Mittal marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom. It is a recognition of his outstanding contributions and a testament to the potential for continued growth and development in the UK-India partnership.
