Newz Desk, Durgapur: S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Bharti Airtel’s long-term issuer credit rating to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’, citing the telecom operator’s strong growth prospects in India and Africa, along with its disciplined balance sheet management.
The rating agency has assigned a stable outlook, reflecting its expectation that Bharti Airtel will continue to reduce its debt over the next 12 to 24 months as earnings and cash flows strengthen. S&P also expects the company to maintain leverage levels consistent with its upgraded ‘BBB+’ rating. In a statement, S&P Global Ratings said that on June 24, 2026, it raised Bharti Airtel’s long-term issuer credit rating to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’. It also upgraded the rating on the company’s senior unsecured debt to ‘BBB+’ from ‘BBB’.
According to the agency, rising data consumption in the high-growth telecom markets of India and Africa is expected to drive stronger revenue and earnings for Bharti Airtel, supporting continued debt reduction and improving its overall financial profile.
S&P further noted that it expects the India-based telecom major to continue managing its balance sheet prudently and operate with lower leverage than in previous years.
The upgrade reflects growing confidence in Bharti Airtel’s financial strength, operational performance, and long-term growth strategy. A higher credit rating is also expected to strengthen investor confidence and could help the company access capital at more competitive borrowing costs in the future.
