Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran has been conferred with honorary Knighthood by the British government for his contribution to strengthen India-UK business relations. He was honoured with the 'Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE)' at an event at the British High Commissioner's residence on Wednesday, March 18.
"The Tata Group is a long-standing investor in the UK with operations spanning automotive, steel, technology, and consumer sectors. It plays an important role in supporting UK jobs, advanced manufacturing, and the transition to clean technologies," the high commission said in a statement. "As Chairman of Tata Group, he has made an exceptional contribution to UK-India business relations and to investing in the UK over many years," it said.
ALSO READ: Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran Seeks Deferment Of Third Term Talks
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron called Chandrasekaran "an amazing friend of the UK and an iconic figure in India's corporate world". The honour was presented on behalf of the British King Charles III to Chandrasekaran by Cameron
"The honorary knighthood is a testament to his impact on global business and his many contributions to advancing growth opportunities between the UK and India," PTI quoted the high commissioner from the event.
She stated that Chandrasekaran's leadership "embodies" entrepreneurial spirit, foresight, vision and aspiration, help to boost UK-India business relations to the next level.
"Chandrasekaran has been driven by a deep and long-standing belief in stronger UK and India trade links. Today, the Tata Group is among the biggest Indian employers in the UK, with 19 subsidiaries based there," she said.
Chandrasekaran honours Tata Group colleagues
While receiving the honour, Chandrasekaran, in his remarks, said the honour does not only belong to him, but equally to "all colleagues in the Tata Group".
ALSO READ: TCS Layoffs Have Nothing To Do With AI: Tata Sons Chairman
"With over 70,000 employees, the Tata Group has shared a strong and enduring relationship with the United Kingdom across technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive sectors as also iconic British brands like JLR and Tetley," he said.
"Looking ahead, our commitment to the UK remains strong and unwavering. We continue to invest in the UK -- in JLR's (Jaguar Land Rover's) transformation into an all-electric future, in advanced manufacturing, particularly battery technology, in green steel making, and in strengthening the innovation ecosystems that will shape the industries of tomorrow," Chandrasekaran added.
He further said, "Our resolve is to deepen the partnership -- to build, to serve, and to create a future of shared prosperity between the UK, India and Tata Group."
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.