World
India
Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman and founder of Bharti Enterprises, has received the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) from King Charles III. The honorary knighthood honors his exceptional efforts towards building India-UK business ties and his massive investments in Britain’s economy.
The prestigious award was conferred on February 22, 2025, during a special investiture ceremony at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi. The ceremony was graced by Mittal’s family, close friends, and officials. British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, hosted the ceremony and praised Mittal’s contribution in strengthening UK-India economic relations through his vision and strategic investments.
Why Was Sunil Bharti Mittal Honored?
Mittal has played a key role in expanding Indian business influence in the UK. His major investments in Britain include:
- BT Group – A leading British telecommunications giant
- Gleneagles – A luxury resort and golf club in Scotland
- Norlake Hospitality – A high-end hospitality business
- OneWeb – A UK-based satellite communications company
His efforts have not only solidified economic links between India and the UK but also improved job creation and technology developments in both countries.
Mittal’s Reaction to the Honor
Thanking him, Mittal described the honor as a privilege and a responsibility. He highlighted the increasing size of India-UK business ties and reiterated his determination to promote bilateral economic cooperation.
“As India and the United Kingdom continue to record unprecedented growth in our bilateral relations, I accept this honor both as a privilege and a responsibility. I am committed to continuing to work with stakeholders in both countries to further deepen business links.” – Sunil Bharti Mittal
Apart from his investments, Mittal has been keenly engaged in diplomatic and economic efforts. He recently headed an Indian business delegation to the UK, where he held meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Foreign Secretary, the Chancellor, and other Cabinet Ministers. These top-level meetings were about mapping new avenues of economic cooperation and building deeper trade relations.
About Sunil Bharti Mittal
Mittal is the chairman of Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom company, with a market capitalization of ₹9.81 lakh crore. His real-time net worth is $11.9 billion, according to Forbes.
His entrepreneurial quest has established Bharti Enterprises a global business leader, operating in telecom, insurance, hospitality, and renewable energy. His visionary leadership, strategic investments, and innovation focus have been instrumental in charting the telecom and business landscape in India and the world.
Mittal’s honorary knighthood also brings to the fore the increasing international acknowledgment of Indian entrepreneurs and their influence on global economies. His rags-to-riches tale inspires Indian businesses aspiring to increase their global presence while promoting deeper economic alliances.
The KBE honor is among the most prestigious awards bestowed by the UK government upon foreign nationals, and Sunil Bharti Mittal’s achievement represents a milestone in India’s growing global business presence.
