The award, presented annually since 1968, is the highest honour the Harvard Business School confers on its alumni who have contributed significantly to their companies and communities while upholding the highest standards and values.
This year's award was conferred on Mittal, a company statement said.
On receiving the award, Mittal credited the Harvard Business School's management programme with helping him create Bharti Airtel.
Having served on the HBS Board of Dean's Advisors since 2010, Mittal said the School continues to lead in producing world-class business leaders.