Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred with the CII President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his contribution to India’s economic growth, entrepreneurship and nation-building.
Accepting the honour, Mittal said the recognition held special significance due to his long association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), where he also served as President in 2007.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the CII Lifetime Achievement Award from an institution that has played such an important role in shaping India’s economic and industrial progress,” he said.
Mittal noted that India is currently witnessing strong economic momentum and said institutions like CII continue to play a critical role in helping industry and government collaborate on shaping the country’s future.
Highlighting the importance of investments and innovation, he urged Indian industry to support the vision of “Make in India for India” through higher capital expenditure, manufacturing expansion and job creation.
Addressing industry leaders during his speech, Mittal said businesses must step up investments despite global uncertainties and economic pressures arising from geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“We need to invest more. This is not the moment to shy away. This is the moment to double down in our own country,” he said.
Mittal emphasised that India’s large young population and rising consumer base offer long-term growth opportunities for businesses across sectors.
He also echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for greater economic self-reliance, urging industries to reduce dependence on imports, lower energy costs and accelerate adoption of renewable energy.
Citing investments by Bharti Airtel, Mittal said the telecom major invested around ₹31,000 crore in capex during 2024-25, with additional investments in tower infrastructure, and plans to further increase investments in the current fiscal.
“We need to vote with our feet within our country. Spend more here, put more capex here,” he added.