UK Likely to Oppose Bharti Enterprises’ Move to Raise Stake in BT: Report

New Delhi, May 2027 : The British government is expected to oppose any attempt by Bharti Enterprises Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal to increase his stake in telecom major BT, amid concerns over safeguarding sovereign control over critical national infrastructure, according to a media report.

A report by the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter, said that the UK government would resist any move by Bharti Enterprises to raise its ownership in BT beyond current levels. The concerns reportedly stem from sensitivities around foreign ownership in strategically important sectors such as telecommunications.

Both Bharti Enterprises and BT declined to comment on the development, according to the report. A spokesperson for Mittal also refused to offer any response.

The reported stance comes just days after speculation that Bharti Enterprises was considering increasing its stake in BT to just below the threshold that would trigger a mandatory open offer for full takeover. At present, Bharti holds a 24.95 per cent stake in the British telecom company, making it one of its largest shareholders.

However, earlier statements from the company indicated no immediate plans for expansion. A Bharti spokesperson had said that the group was satisfied with its current shareholding and was not looking to increase its stake at this stage.

The relationship between Bharti and BT has strengthened in recent years. In September last year, Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, along with Gopal Vittal, vice-chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel, were inducted into the BT board as non-independent, non-executive directors. Their inclusion marked a deeper strategic engagement between the Indian conglomerate and the UK-based telecom operator.

Separately, Mittal recently outlined a long-term succession and ownership vision for the group. Earlier this month, he said he intends to gradually pass leadership responsibilities to the next generation over the coming decade. He also expressed a desire for Bharti Telecom to eventually regain majority control, suggesting a target of just over 50 per cent ownership in the holding structure.

“If you really ask me, my own wish is that in the next decade… Bharti Telecom should get back to controlling shareholding 51 per cent or just over 50 per cent,” Mittal had said during a company conference call.

The remarks highlighted the group’s long-term strategic planning around ownership consolidation and generational transition, even as its international investments continue to draw regulatory attention.

Meanwhile, shares of Bharti Airtel, the group’s flagship telecom company, closed flat on Wednesday, ending at ₹1,851.25 apiece on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

The reported UK government stance underscores continuing global scrutiny over foreign investments in sensitive infrastructure sectors, particularly telecom, where data security and national control remain key policy priorities.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)