New Delhi, March 19 -- France on Wednesday conferred the Commandeur de la Legion d'Honneur - one of the country's highest civilian honours - on former Indian envoy to Paris, Jawed Ashraf, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.

Ashraf, who served as envoy to France during 2020-2024, was presented the award by Ambassador Thierry Mathou during a ceremony at the French embassy on Wednesday. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991 and was appointed chairman of the Indian Trade Promotion Organization after his retirement in 2024.

"Ambassador Ashraf's remarkable career and personal dedication have been pivotal in accelerating and deepening the bilateral relations between our two nations," Mathou said, ad...