What happened:
On March 18, former ambassador and ITPO chairman Jawed Ashraf was awarded the rank of Commandeur, the third-highest distinction of France’s Legion d’honneur. The insignia was presented by French Ambassador Thierry Mathou in New Delhi, in the presence of India’s NSA Ajit Doval.
Why it matters:
Ashraf said the honour reflects France’s respect for diplomacy, India, and the progress in the India-France strategic partnership under PM Modi and President Macron.