The Indian telecom landscape is facing a new regulatory showdown. Just weeks after the Union Cabinet allowed Vodafone Idea to freeze its ₹87,695 crore AGR debt until 2035, its rivals are demanding the same treatment. Bharti Airtel and Tata Teleservices are currently coordinating a collective representation to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), arguing that selective relief for one player distorts market competition.
The “Parity” Argument: Why Now?
Under the original 2021 relief package, all telcos were granted a four-year moratorium on legacy dues, which ends in March 2026.
- Airtel & Tata Status: Unless new relief is granted, both companies must begin paying their deferred dues in six annual installments starting this March.
- The “Payment Pause” Threat: Executives have hinted that the companies may pause scheduled payments until the government provides a uniform policy framework that applies to all operators.
The Financial Stakes
While Airtel is financially robust compared to the debt-laden Vi, the sheer size of the pending liabilities represents a significant diversion of capital that could otherwise be used for 5G-Advanced and 6G rollouts.
| Company | Estimated AGR Liability | Scheduled Start of Repayment |
| Bharti Airtel | ₹48,103 Crore | March 2026 |
| Tata Group (TTSL/TTML) | ₹19,259 Crore | March 2026 |
| Vodafone Idea (Vi) | ₹87,695 Crore | Deferred to 2035 |
Legal vs. Policy Relief
In November 2025, the Supreme Court clarified that while it would not interfere with the government’s decision to save Vi (citing “public interest” and “market competition”), there is no legal right to identical treatment for other companies.
- The Government’s Dilemma: If the Centre grants relief to the profitable Airtel, it faces criticism for “forgiving debt” to a wealthy corporation.
- Airtel’s Counter: Vice Chairman Gopal Vittal has previously noted that while Airtel can pay, being forced to do so while a competitor gets a 10-year “interest-free” holiday puts them at a severe disadvantage in terms of cash flow for network investment.
Conclusion: A Consistent Framework Needed
The joint approach by Airtel and Tata signals that the industry is no longer willing to accept “survival-based” interventions that penalize financially disciplined players. As the March 2026 repayment deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Ministry of Communications to see if they will extend the 10-year moratorium to the entire sector or maintain the current “selective relief” model.
