Vodafone Idea Seeks Government Lifeline as Debt Mounts

As of November 11, 2025, Vodafone Idea Ltd., one of India's major telecom operators, is facing significant financial challenges. The company's Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) has reached a staggering Rs 78,500 crore, and the management is now seeking a long-term solution from the Indian government.

Vodafone Idea's CEO, Abhijit Kishore, has stated that the company has welcomed the recent Supreme Court ruling on the matter and believes the government has been helpful so far. The company is actively engaged in discussions with various banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to secure funding, with the government, as a 49% stakeholder, looking to find the best long-term solution.

Earlier in November, the Supreme Court had allowed the government to reconcile all of Vodafone Idea's dues until the fiscal year 2016-17, a key modification to its previous decision issued in October. The company had sought a waiver of penalty and interest on an adjusted gross revenue demand of Rs 9,450 crore raised by the Department of Telecommunications, arguing that a substantial portion of the demand pertained to the pre-FY17 period, which had already been settled by the apex court in 2020.

As the financial situation remains challenging, Vodafone Idea is focused on expanding its 4G and 5G coverage, with the CEO emphasizing the company's commitment to improving its network and service offerings.