Former UN diplomat and Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor, received France’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur,’ for his role as a steadfast ‘friend’ of France and his efforts to strengthen Indo-French relations. Tharoor was awarded this honour in August 2022, with the formal ceremony taking place at the French Embassy in Delhi on Tuesday.
The French Embassy in India praised Tharoor for his exceptional contributions, highlighting his work to improve Indo-French ties and promote international peace and cooperation. They also recognized his multifaceted talents, including his diplomatic service at the United Nations, his writing, and his role as a politician in India.
A prolific author, Tharoor is known for his works like “An Era of Darkness,” “Pax Indica,” and “The Great Indian Novel.”
Tharoor, who has previously served as Minister of State for External Affairs and Human Resource Development, was commended for his service on important parliamentary committees such as External Affairs and Communications and Information Technology.
Gerard Larcher, Chairman of the French Senate, described Tharoor as a “friend of France” and a “Francophone” who deeply understands French culture. He applauded Tharoor’s career in diplomacy, writing, and politics, praising his dedication to India and the global community.
In response, Tharoor expressed deep humility and gratitude, stating his admiration for France, its people, language, and culture. He saw the award as a symbol of the strong relationship between India and France, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two nations.
(Inputs from ANI)