Prudential buys 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance for ₹3,500 crore
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Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman, Bharti Enterprises
Following the government’s approval of 100% FDI in insurance, Bharti Enterprises announced on Sunday that Prudential plc has agreed to buy a 75% stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company Ltd from Bharti Life Ventures Pvt Ltd and 360 ONE Asset Management, with an upfront cash payment of ₹3,500 crore upon closing.
Prudential noted that an extra payment of up to ₹700 crore could be made, contingent on meeting specific conditions, and emphasized its solid balance sheet and low leverage. As of 31 December 2025, the firm held $4.3 billion in cash and short‑term investments at the holding‑company level.
Bharti Life will become the fifth insurer in the country to operate with 75% foreign direct investment.
After the deal closes, Prudential’s India business will include a controlling stake in Bharti Life Insurance Company and Prudential HCL Health Insurance, plus minority positions in two listed firms—35% of ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and 22% of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (ICICIPru Life), according to the companies.
Prudential said the deal will be financed from its current resources and is expected to yield significant strategic and financial gains over time. Additional information will be shared once regulatory approvals are secured.
“We are pleased to welcome Prudential plc as the controlling shareholder of Bharti Life, which will speed up its growth. Prudential’s expertise and global reach, together with Bharti’s solid performance, form a powerful partnership to capture the vast opportunities in India’s life‑insurance market,” said Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises.
Strategic tie-up
He added that the alliance will create fresh prospects for Bharti Life’s staff and deepen the strategic ties between India and the United Kingdom.
The deal coincides with a fast‑changing Indian life‑insurance landscape, propelled by digital uptake, greater awareness, and rising demand for protection products. The sector still offers robust structural growth, buoyed by favorable demographics and low penetration, signalling considerable unmet demand, the firms noted.
“India is a key and exciting market for Prudential. By taking a controlling stake in Bharti Life, we combine Prudential’s almost 180 years of global insurance know‑how with Bharti’s expanding local footprint to meet Indian consumers’ savings and protection needs,” said Anil Wadhwani, CEO of Prudential.
He added that Prudential’s long‑standing joint venture with the ICICI group has delivered high‑quality financial services in India for many decades.
Published on May 17, 2026
