The latest on Vodafone’s AGR dispute- A recent Bloomberg report indicates that the Government may consider a one-time settlement of dues and interest worth billions of dollars from Vodafone India. This comes as the Indian government is looking to strengthen its trade ties with the United Kingdom.
The Bloomberg report stated that the move could resolve the dispute between the Government and Vodafone India. According to Bloomberg, India may consider waiving interest, penalties, and concessions on dues.
According to Bloomberg, Indian officials are drafting a framework for the settlement, which also ensures that it does not bring legal challenges from other telecom operators that also owe substantial dues to the government.
Financial Express.com has written to Vodafone Idea and is awaiting their official response on the news. We will update the story as soon as we hear from Vodafone Idea.
Vodafone India SC hearing on Oct 13
In another related development for Vodafone India, the Supreme Court said on Monday that it will hear Vodafone Idea’s plea seeking a waiver of interest and penalties for AGR dues demanded on October 13.
In an application, Vodafone Idea requested to amend its previous petition, which sought the quashing of the Department of Telecommunications’ additional AGR demand of Rs 9,450 crore for FY19.
The fresh application is seeking exemption from the payment of penalty, interest and interest on penalty on the principal AGR dues.
Total dues of Vodafone Idea
Vodafone Idea had outstanding AGR dues of Rs 83,400 crore as of March 2025. Additionally, the company has outstanding debt to banks of Rs 1,945 crore and deferred obligations toward spectrum, totalling a payable amount of Rs 1.99 lakh crore.
Of the outstanding amount, the company has the AGR instalment due of Rs 16,428 crore in FY26 and the deferred spectrum due of Rs 2,641 crore, payable by June 2026.