Bharti Telecom seeks nod for FDI of Rs 49 billion in Airtel; move to make Airtel a foreign firm

Bharti Telecom has sought the government’s approval for infusion of Rs 49 billion as foreign direct investment (FDI) into Bharti Airtel. The investment would be undertaken by Singtel and other foreign entities.

The fund infusion will enhance foreign stakeholding in Bharti Telecom to over 50 per cent, making it a foreign-owned entity. At present, Sunil Bharti Mittal owns around 52 per cent stake in Bharti Telecom.

Bharti Telecom holds around 41 per cent stake in Bharti Airtel, while foreign promoter entities hold 21.46 per cent stake in the telecom firm. Public shareholders have around 37 per cent stake in the company.

Bharti Airtel has already applied to raise the FDI limit to 100 per cent in the company and its board had recently approved a proposal to raise $3 billion through a qualified institutional placement (QIP).