Bharti Airtel has announced a significant change in its statutory audit arrangements through an official regulatory filing, with the Board of Directors approving the appointment of S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP as the company's new statutory auditors. The appointment will take effect from the conclusion of the 32nd Annual General Meeting scheduled for calendar year 2027.

Current Auditor Transition

The telecommunications giant's existing statutory auditors, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP (Firm registration no. 117366W/W-100018), will retire upon the conclusion of the 32nd AGM in 2027. This retirement marks the completion of Deloitte's second consecutive term as statutory auditors for the company.

Selection Process and Board Approval

The Board's decision follows a comprehensive and transparent selection process that was overseen by the Audit Committee. Based on the Audit Committee's recommendation, the Board approved the appointment during a meeting held on March 10, 2026, with formal approval received at 1540 Hours IST. The appointment remains subject to approval by the company's shareholders at the upcoming AGM.

About S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP

S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP is a limited liability partnership firm incorporated in India in 1949, with its registered office located in Kolkata. The firm maintains offices across key cities throughout India and holds registration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India under firm registration number 101049W/E300004.

The firm operates as part of the S.R. Batliboi & Affiliates network, which includes several entities:

• S.R. Batliboi & Co LLP
• S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP
• S R B C & CO LLP
• S.V. Ghatalia & Associates LLP

Service Portfolio and Client Base

S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP and its network firms are primarily engaged in providing audit and assurance services to clients. The firm has extensive experience auditing large listed and private companies across diverse market segments, including:

• Industrial and Infrastructure
• Consumer Products
• Financial Services
• Technology and Telecommunications
• Media and Entertainment
• Professional Services

Regulatory Compliance

The appointment announcement was made through official communication to both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (Symbol: BHARTIARTL/AIRTELPP) and BSE Limited (Scrip Code: 532454/890157). The disclosure was submitted in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, along with other applicable provisions and circulars.

The communication was signed by Rohit Krishan Puri, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, and includes a detailed profile of the incoming audit firm as required by regulatory guidelines. The transition represents a standard rotation of statutory auditors in accordance with regulatory requirements and corporate governance practices.

Bharti Airtel has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first telecommunications service provider to establish reliable mobile network services in the remote Marwah region of Jammu & Kashmir. The company announced this significant network expansion through an official press release and regulatory filing under Regulation 30, marking a transformative step in connecting one of India's most challenging terrains.

Strategic Network Deployment

The telecommunications giant has successfully deployed high-speed mobile network infrastructure in Marwah, a geographically remote area that serves as a crucial link between Kishtwar and Anantnag. This achievement positions Bharti Airtel as the pioneer in providing reliable telecommunications services to this previously underserved location.

Geographical Challenges and Significance

Marwah presents unique connectivity challenges due to its rugged terrain and limited seasonal road access. The region remains disconnected during winters due to heavy snowfall, forcing residents to rely on mules or foot travel for essential supplies, work, or emergencies. The absence of telecom coverage had left approximately 150-km corridor completely disconnected from digital communication services.

"We are proud to bridge the digital divide in Marwah, bringing high-speed mobile connectivity to a region long isolated by nature's toughest barriers," said Dibyendu Aich, COO – Jammu and Kashmir, Bharti Airtel. "Airtel's relentless expansion into high-altitude and remote areas underscores our commitment to strengthening India's digital backbone and ensuring every citizen, no matter how remote, stays connected."

Beneficiaries and Impact

The new network infrastructure serves multiple key stakeholders across the region:

Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Structure

The announcement was made through proper regulatory channels, with the company filing the press release under Regulation 30 to both the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited. The filing was signed by Rohit Krishan Puri, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparent communication with stakeholders.

Digital Transformation Initiative

This deployment reflects Bharti Airtel's broader commitment to bridging the connectivity gap and powering India's digital transformation. The successful network rollout in Marwah's challenging environment demonstrates the company's technical capabilities in overcoming geographical obstacles to deliver comprehensive connectivity solutions to underserved areas across the country.