India, March 30 -- The Government of India will increase its stake in Vodafone Idea (Vi) from 22.6% to 48.99% following the conversion of spectrum auction dues worth Rs 36,950 crore into equity shares, the telecom operator has informed the stock exchanges.

The conversion was approved by the Ministry of Communications through an order dated 29 March 2025, which the company received on 30 March. The move is part of the broader Telecom Reforms and Support Package announced in September 2021.

Earlier, according to an ET report, Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra had urged the DoT to permit equity conversion of upcoming AGR and spectrum dues, thereby increasing government holding in the company to 49%. Vi had cited its financial challenges an...