"The highest French civilian award comes in recognition of Tharoor's tireless efforts to deepen Indo-French ties, commitment to international peace and cooperation, and as a long-standing friend of France," the French Embassy in India said in a statement. Shashi Tharoor Conferred With France's Highest Civilian Honour ‘Chevalier De La Legion D'honneur’ For His Efforts to Deepen Indo-French Ties.