Bharti Enterprises vice chairman Rajan Bharti Mittal has said the government’s recent decision on adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues should be applied as a uniform policy across the telecom sector, as the issue has affected all operators and clarity is essential for long-term investor confidence.
The comments come as the government, following a Supreme Court order, recently approved a partial moratorium on Vodafone Idea's AGR dues and also deferred some repayments, offering relief to the debt-laden telco.
“As regards the AGR, we have welcomed the decision,” Mittal told Moneycontrol on the sidelines of World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. “We do hope that it will be applied universally as a policy. We do understand it has been applied for Vodafone but it has affected everybody and we have made a representation that it should be a uniform practice.”
AGR backdrop
In its order, the Supreme Court said the scope of re-examination of AGR dues would apply only to Vodafone Idea. Moneycontrol has reported that the relief does not automatically extend the benefit to other telecom operators, even though AGR liabilities were an industry-wide issue.
Mittal reiterated that the issue has impacted all players and that the industry continues to seek a clear, policy-led approach.
Telecom sector stable, investments continue
Mittal said the telecom industry has structurally stabilised, with three private operators and sustained capital expenditure continuing across the sector.
“Telecom is pretty much settled now,” he said. “There are three players, and investments are happening every year. We invest every year. Telecom companies invest for growth, for new technologies and for network expansion.”
He added that continuous investment is critical as telecom underpins India’s digital economy and financial inclusion.
OneWeb ready, approvals awaited
On satellite communications, Mittal said Bharti-backed OneWeb is operationally ready and awaiting final regulatory approvals before commencing commercial services in India.
“We are ready with our satellite and even our ground station,” he said. “We are just waiting for the last government approvals to come through.”
He said recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have already been submitted and are under evaluation by the government. While he did not give a fixed timeline, Mittal said initial use cases are already underway.
“We are doing test cases with the army and with defence,” he said. “I am quite hopeful and reasonably certain that it should happen in 2026, hopefully in the first half.”
India still a bright spot
Despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty, Mittal said India continues to be viewed positively by global CEOs and investors.
“There is a situation of flux as far as geopolitics is concerned,” he said. “But India still remains a bright spot. CEOs who are already invested or planning to invest see India as a trusted country and a trusted partner.”
He said India’s 6.5–7 percent growth trajectory stands out amid global volatility.
Trade deals, Budget expectations
Mittal said progress on major trade agreements could act as key triggers for India’s next phase of growth, pointing to ongoing EU and US trade talks.
Any agreement must be a win-win and protect domestic interests, including small manufacturers and farmers, he added.
Mittal said the industry expects continuity in reforms and further deregulation in the upcoming Budget. “We saw a reform process last year and some GST rationalisation,” he said. “I’m hoping this Budget will also bring more reforms and more deregulation.”
He reiterated that taxation on telecom remains high and should be rationalised, describing the sector as the backbone of India’s digital economy.
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