Reuters reports that Google (Alphabet) is ploughing up to USD1 billion in Bharti Airtel as the Indian telco looks to strengthen its digital portfolio. In a statement today (28 January), the two companies confirmed that the cash injection includes a USD700 million equity investment – priced at INR734 (USD9.77) per share – and up to USD300 million for ‘commercial agreements’, including ‘investments in scaling Airtel’s offerings’. The share issue is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. A separate report from Bloomberg says the share purchase will represent a 1.28% stake in Bharti Airtel.