New Delhi, May 11 -- Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal urged Indian industry to step up domestic capital expenditure and reduce reliance on imports, saying this is the moment to "invest, double down in our own country" as global economic uncertainty intensifies.

His remarks came as he was conferred with the CII President's Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognising his enduring leadership, contribution to India's economic progress, and commitment towards nation-building.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Mittal acknowledged the headwinds from the ongoing Middle East crisis but stressed that India's underlying growth momentum remains strong. "These are difficult times," he said, echoing the Prime Minister's message from...