His Excellency Sharma has been awarded with an honorary Doctor of Laws for his exceptional contribution to international diplomacy, and his long-standing relationship with Queen’s and Northern Ireland. 

The event, held in New Delhi on Wednesday 5 November, formed part of a wider Queen’s delegation visit to India, which brought together business leaders and academic partners to strengthen collaboration and promote innovation between the two regions. 

A retired Indian diplomat, His Excellency Sharma served as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations from 2008 to 2016. During that time, he also served as the ninth Chancellor of Queen’s, from 2009 to 2014. He was a familiar and much-admired figure on the University’s campus, contributing significantly to the life of Queen’s. 

As India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2004–2008), his leadership helped cement economic and cultural relations between India and Northern Ireland, paving the way for significant inward investment by Indian businesses. 

Upon receiving his degree, former Queen’s Chancellor, His Excellency Sharma, said:  

“Queen’s University Belfast holds a special and treasured place in my heart. Serving as its Chancellor was a profound honour, and I have always admired its commitment to global engagement and academic excellence. 

“This recognition is deeply meaningful to me, not only as a general acknowledgment to my diplomatic journey, but as a celebration of the enduring friendship between Queen’s and India. I am proud to have played a part in strengthening that bond.” 

Professor Richard Miles, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Queen’s, said: 

“Every year, Queen’s pays tribute to some of the world’s most outstanding individuals, people who have dedicated their lives to shaping a better, more compassionate world, through the conferral of Honorary degrees. 

“As a distinguished international statesman, visionary diplomat, and long-standing friend and supporter of Queen’s and Northern Ireland, His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma is a deserving recipient of this recognition. 

“Our strong connections in India owe much to His Excellency Sharma’s leadership and friendship. His efforts have helped lay the groundwork for the flourishing partnerships we have celebrated during our time in India. Queen’s is proud to acknowledge his lifelong dedication to global progress.” 

During the visit, the Queen’s delegation continued to build vital long-term partnerships between academia and industry in India. The University’s new GIFT City campus is central to this mission, serving as a hub for collaboration and equipping graduates with the skills required by employers across the world. 

Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India, added:  

“I'm delighted to congratulate His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma on his well-deserved recognition by Queen's University Belfast. 

“As both a proud Northern Irishwoman and the British High Commissioner to India, I feel privileged to welcome Queen’s University Belfast to India. The UK-India education and skills partnership is pivotal to driving the next generation of global talent and to building upon the unique living bridge that connects our countries.” 

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