On 28 October 2024, Sunil Bharti Mittal received France's highest civilian award, the Légion d’Honneur, from President Emmanuel Macron at the French Embassy in New Delhi.
The Légion d’Honneur, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, is awarded to those who have rendered distinguished service to France and is rarely bestowed on foreign business leaders.
Ambassador Thierry Mathou said—“Sunil Bharti Mittal has been a friend of France for more than thirty years, since the early days of Airtel in 1992.”
He added—“He has unflaggingly nurtured these ties over the decades, and shown what French and Indian business endeavours can achieve together.”
Mittal replied—“I am moved and humbled by this gracious award from the Republic of France, and I remain committed to deepening Indo‑French economic ties.”
The ceremony not only honors his thirty‑year partnership but also paves the way for future joint ventures in satellite communications and digital infrastructure.