Vodafone India was one of India’s Big Three mobile network operators — the Indian subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc (UK). In 2018, Vodafone India merged with Idea Cellular (Aditya Birla Group) to form Vi (Vodafone Idea Limited), India’s third-largest telecom operator. The government became a major shareholder after converting AGR dues to equity in 2022.
| Entity | Vi (Vodafone Idea Limited) — post-2018 merger |
| Vodafone India Entry | 2007 — Acquired Hutchison Essar for $11.1B |
| Vi CEO | Akshaya Moondra |
| Vi Shareholders | Vodafone Group UK ~45% | Aditya Birla ~18% | Govt ~23% |
| Listed | BSE: 540065 | NSE: IDEA |
Who Owns Vodafone India (Now Vi)?
Vodafone India no longer exists as a standalone entity — it is part of Vi (Vodafone Idea Limited) following the 2018 merger with Idea Cellular. Vi shareholders: Vodafone Group Plc (UK) ~45%, Aditya Birla Group (Kumar Mangalam Birla) ~18%, and Government of India ~23% (via equity conversion of AGR dues in 2022). Remainder is public float. Vi is listed on BSE and NSE. Vodafone entered India via the $11.1B acquisition of Hutchison Essar in 2007 — one of the largest M&A deals in Indian corporate history. See also: Idea Cellular, Airtel India.
Who is the CEO of Vi?
Akshaya Moondra is MD & CEO of Vodafone Idea (Vi), managing ₹2.2 lakh crore in total liabilities including ₹1.8 lakh crore in AGR and spectrum dues to the government, while simultaneously trying to fund 5G rollout.
History of Vodafone India
Vodafone entered India in 2007 by acquiring Hutchison Essar for $11.1B — known for its iconic “Hutch pug” advertising. The acquisition triggered the controversial retrospective tax case (Vodafone vs Union of India), which India withdrew in 2021. “Hutch” became “Vodafone” in 2007. When Jio launched in 2016, Vodafone India’s revenues fell sharply. The 2018 merger with Idea Cellular created Vi — now facing existential viability questions around its debt load vs network investment needs.
Key Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Vodafone acquires Hutchison Essar ($11.1B); “Hutch” becomes “Vodafone” |
| 2016 | Jio launches; Vodafone India revenues collapse |
| Aug 2018 | Merges with Idea Cellular → Vi (Vodafone Idea) |
| 2020 | Supreme Court AGR ruling: Vi owes ₹58,000Cr |
| 2022 | Government converts AGR interest to equity → ~23% Vi shareholder |
More ownership profiles
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Dear sir,
I am paying 450 bill every month and their services are working 0% for which I complained but till date nothing happened.
And whenever a person complains, all these people will cite for correcting the network for 2 days, will give a discount, then it will happen,
Is the government sleeping or the network company has bought the entire government, means how does a common man manage to pay the bills even after that this is the situation.
How long will this go on.
Mob. No. 09648343536
Mr. Nitin Pratap Singh,
I agree with your comments that there is no accountability. Customer Care has below standard executives.
They have started harassing customers . I have been with Vi for 23 yrs. The service is way below standard.
Regards,
Mr. Nitin Pratap Singh,
I agree with your comments that there is no accountability. Customer Care has below standard executives.
They have started harassing customers . I have been with Vi for 23 yrs. The service is way below standard.
Regards,