**Airtel’s Ambitious Vision: Sunil Mittal Aims for One Billion Users**
In a recent discussion at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2025, Bharti Airtel’s founder and Chairman, Sunil Mittal, shared his ambitious goal of reaching one billion users globally within the next decade. Speaking with former G20 Sherpa and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Mittal emphasized his vision for Airtel to become a leading global digital services provider.
Mittal’s entrepreneurial journey began in April 1976 when he launched his first business with a ₹20,000 loan from his father. Today, his net worth is estimated at $34.2 billion (approximately ₹3 lakh crore). At the summit, he outlined his plans for Airtel, highlighting recent expansions, including acquiring a 25% stake in British Telecom and exploring further opportunities in Europe and Africa. He expressed his aspiration for Airtel to grow from its current 600 million users to one billion in the next eight to ten years.
Discussing India’s economic potential, Mittal stated that the country possesses the necessary “animal spirit” to achieve developed economy status by 2047. He referenced the RBI governor’s remarks about India being in a favorable position and urged for the completion of trade deals to fully harness the nation’s capabilities. While the exact trajectory towards a $30 trillion economy remains uncertain, Mittal believes that reaching between $22 to $25 trillion is feasible.
On the future of Airtel, Mittal reflected on the company’s direction, considering whether to remain focused on telecommunications or venture into the AI sector. He acknowledged the importance of establishing a sovereign cloud in light of geopolitical challenges, stressing the need to reduce reliance on major tech companies like Google and Microsoft.
When addressing competition, Mittal noted that Airtel faced significant challenges, particularly from a specific rival, hinting at Reliance Jio’s disruptive entry into the market in 2016. He credited Airtel’s survival and growth to its talented workforce, which helped the company navigate the competitive landscape and emerge stronger.
Mittal also shared insights into Airtel’s operations in Africa, describing the initial decade as challenging. He explained that while they initially applied a low-cost, expansive strategy, it took several years to effectively penetrate the market.
In conclusion, Sunil Mittal’s vision for Airtel reflects a commitment to innovation and growth, positioning the company to achieve remarkable milestones in the coming years.
**FAQ**
*What is Sunil Mittal’s goal for Airtel?*
Sunil Mittal aims to grow Airtel’s user base from 600 million to one billion globally within the next eight to ten years.