Billionaire Profile
Rakesh Mittal
Global Rank
#387

Image: Richter Frank-Jurgen | CC BY-SA 2.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Rakesh Mittal

CEO, Telecom
INDIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$9.015B
Estimated based on Telecom stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
70
Source
Telecom
Industry
Telecom
Citizenship
INDIA

Biography

Rakesh Mittal is a prominent Indian billionaire with an estimated net worth of $8.75 billion as of March 25, 2026. His wealth stems primarily from his involvement in the telecom industry through Bharti Enterprises and his role as a non-executive director at Bharti Airtel. Mittal, 70, is recognized for his strategic investments and leadership in the telecommunications sector, which has transformed India's digital landscape. He is also known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly in education through the Bharti Foundation, which has invested in numerous schools and educational programs.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

While specific details about Rakesh Mittal's early life are not widely publicized, he was born into the Mittal family in India. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Panjab University.

Rise to Success

Rakesh Mittal's career has been closely linked with the growth of Bharti Enterprises and Bharti Airtel. His involvement with Bharti Airtel includes strategic decisions and investments. Bharti Airtel, under the leadership of his brother, Sunil Bharti Mittal, has become a leading mobile network operator.

Key Business Strategies

Rakesh Mittal has played a role in the expansion of Bharti Airtel's network across India and internationally, including acquisitions in Sri Lanka and Africa. His focus has been on strategic management practices and partnerships to ensure efficient operations.

Philanthropy

Rakesh Mittal and his family are deeply involved in philanthropy through the Bharti Foundation. The Bharti Foundation was established in 2000 with a vision to help underprivileged children and young people in India realize their potential. The Foundation focuses on education and supports programs to improve sanitation and provide legal assistance. The family has pledged a significant amount of philanthropic capital to establish Satya Bharti University, which will focus on AI, robotics, and offer subsidized education.

Career Milestones

1995

Co-founded Bharti Airtel

Played a key role in the founding and growth of Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications company in India.

2000

Bharti Foundation Established

Instrumental in the creation of the Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, focusing on education and social initiatives.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Satya Bharti School Program

$XB

Initiative focused on providing quality education to underprivileged children in rural India, with a special emphasis on the girl child.

Education

Satya Bharti University

$1.4B

Pledge to create a new university with a focus on artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality, offering subsidized education to underprivileged students.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Giving back to society should be an obligation."