On 28 February, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairperson of Bharti Enterprises was awarded the Honourary Knighthood for “services to UK and India business relations” by the King Charles III of the United Kingdom. Sunil is the first ever Indian citizen to get the Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). Let’s take a look at who Sunil Bharti Mittal is and what are his business endeavours that have earned him this award.

Who is Sunil Bharti Mittal?

Sunil is an Indian business tycoon with many organisations such as Airtel Bharti, Bharti Enterprises, Airtel Digital TV, Bharti Foundations, and many others. He has built his empire with hard work and dedication and now has migrated to other industries like insurance, food and agriculture, hospitality, education, and more. Even though Mittal started his first-ever business with financial help from his father in 1976, his real venture began when he founded Bharti Overseas Trading Company with his brothers. 

In 1995, Sunil started Bharti Airtel which became the biggest telecommunication company in India and second-largest cellular provider in Africa. He is an extraordinary businessman and has been featured among the top 10 richest people in India by Forbes in 2023. His net worth is estimated to be around USD 15 Billion. 

Other awards and achievements 

His brilliant work has earned him a Padma Bhushan award in 2007. During India's G20 Presidency, he presided over the B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration. Additionally, he serves as a Commissioner for Sustainable Development at the International Telecommunication Union/UNESCO Broadband Commission. 

“I am deeply humbled by this gracious recognition from His Majesty, King Charles. UK and India have historical relations, which are now entering a new era of increased cooperation and collaboration. I remain committed to working towards strengthening the economic and bilateral trade relationships between our two great nations,” Mittal said. 

Mittal’s exceptional contributions to the India-UK space programmes and his satellite technological collaborations with the UK government have earned him the Honourary Knighthood award.