Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran has been honored with the esteemed Knighthood - Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by the government of the United Kingdom.The announcement was made on Friday, recognizing his outstanding contributions to strengthening business relations between India and the UK.
Expressing his gratitude for the distinguished honor, Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran stated, "I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition, for which I am grateful to His Majesty, King Charles. I would like to express how proud we are at the Tata Group to maintain such a strong strategic relationship with the UK across the technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive sectors."
Highlighting the deep-rooted association between Tata Group and the United Kingdom, Chandrasekaran emphasized the company's significant footprint in the region.
He remarked, "We employ more than 70,000 people in the UK. We enjoy fruitful and world-class research and academic partnerships with great institutions in this country."
The Tata Group has long been a major investor in the UK, with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Tata Steel, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) playing a crucial role in fostering economic growth and innovation.
Along with N Chandrasekaran, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has also been honored with the UK Knighthood - Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.Mittal, a pioneering entrepreneur, has significantly contributed to global telecommunications and business collaborations between India and the UK.
Several notable foreign nationals were honored with British awards in 2024, reflecting their contributions to various fields. The recipients include:
Dagmar Dolby – Co-founder, Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund
Eric Schmidt – Former CEO and Chairman of Google
Jason Furman – Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Rajinder Dhatt – Founder Member, Undivided Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Association
These recognitions underscore the UK’s commitment to honoring global leaders who have made substantial contributions to business, technology, academia, and society.
The UK Knighthood Award, formally known as the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE, OBE, CBE, KBE, DBE), is one of the highest civilian honors granted by the British monarchy. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields, including business, science, arts, philanthropy, and public service.
Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GBE) – The highest rank in the Order.
Knight/Dame Commander (KBE/DBE) – Recipients are addressed as "Sir" (for men) or "Dame" (for women).
Commander (CBE) – Awarded for outstanding contributions at a national level.
Officer (OBE) – Recognizes major local or regional contributions.
Member (MBE) – Given for an outstanding achievement or service to the community.
It is conferred by King Charles III or the ruling British monarch.
It acknowledges individuals, including foreign nationals, for their exceptional service to UK-India relations, business, science, and social causes.
Business leaders like Ratan Tata, Narayan Murthy, and now N Chandrasekaran have been honored for strengthening economic ties between India and the UK.
The recognition of Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran with the prestigious UK Knighthood – Most Excellent Order of the British Empire highlights the deep economic and strategic ties between India and the United Kingdom. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening business, technology, and innovation collaborations between the two nations.
This honor not only reflects his contributions but also reinforces Tata Group’s long-standing impact in the UK, where it employs over 70,000 people across multiple industries. Alongside Sunil Bharti Mittal and other global leaders recognized in 2024, this award reaffirms the role of Indian business leaders in shaping international economic partnerships.
As India and the UK continue to expand their trade and diplomatic relationships, such accolades serve as a testament to the growing influence of Indian enterprises on the global stage.