Leadership reshuffle at Airtel, new F&O entries, Amber Enterprises’ ₹500 crore R&D plan, and Seamec’s fresh $3.3 million order mark a dynamic week in business.
Indian corporate and market updates saw significant movement this week, marked by leadership transitions, expansions, and fresh additions to the derivatives segment. From Bharti Airtel’s new appointment at the top to Amber Enterprises’ research and development boost, and Seamec’s latest order win, the developments underline renewed investor confidence and industry momentum heading into 2026.
Bharti Airtel Appoints Shashwat Sharma as MD & CEO
Telecom major Bharti Airtel has announced a leadership change effective January 2026, appointing Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO). Sharma, who currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Airtel, will take over the leadership responsibilities from Gopal Vittal, who has successfully led the company for over a decade.
Under his new designation, Gopal Vittal will transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman of Bharti Airtel. The leadership reshuffle is part of the company’s long-term strategic plan to strengthen Airtel’s position in India’s rapidly evolving digital and connectivity ecosystem.
Industry experts see this move as a continuation of Airtel’s steady succession planning and a reflection of the company’s focus on innovation-driven growth. Sharma, known for driving digital initiatives and customer experience improvements, is expected to steer Airtel into its next phase of expansion across 5G, broadband, and digital services.
Bajaj Holdings, Waaree Energies Among Firms Added to F&O Segment
In another notable development, Bajaj Holdings & Investment Ltd, Waaree Energies, and a few other companies will be included in the Futures and Options (F&O) segment on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) from December 31, 2025.
This inclusion is seen as a recognition of these companies’ growing market liquidity, strong financial performance, and investor interest. For investors, this means they can now take derivative positions in these stocks through futures and options trading, potentially boosting market participation and hedging opportunities.
Waaree Energies, one of India’s leading solar energy companies, has gained prominence amid the country’s push towards renewable energy and self-reliance in solar module manufacturing. Its entry into the F&O segment reflects increasing confidence in the company’s fundamentals and sectoral growth outlook.
Bajaj Holdings, part of the Bajaj Group, continues to maintain a robust portfolio of investments across the group’s financial services, auto, and manufacturing interests. Analysts believe the inclusion of such companies will increase depth and liquidity in the Indian derivatives market.
Amber Enterprises to Set Up ₹500 Crore R&D Facility in Punjab
Amber Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of room air conditioners and components, has announced a major expansion plan worth ₹500 crore to set up an advanced Research & Development (R&D) center in Punjab.
The planned facility will focus on innovation in energy-efficient cooling technologies, product design, and sustainable manufacturing processes. The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and export competitiveness.
Amber Enterprises said the new R&D center will not only strengthen its product development but will also generate significant employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, and local talent in the region.
Industry watchers consider this a strong step towards positioning Punjab as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industrial growth.
Seamec Wins $3.3 Million Offshore Diving Services Contract
Adding to the week’s key corporate actions, Seamec Ltd, a leading Indian offshore services company, has secured a $3.3 million order for diving support and marine services.
The company stated that the order involves providing support for subsea repair, maintenance, and underwater engineering projects for an international client. The contract will be executed over the coming months and is expected to strengthen Seamec’s offshore portfolio and revenue pipeline in FY2026.
This latest order underscores the growing demand for professional subsea and marine support services in both domestic and global markets, reflecting Seamec’s strong technical expertise and global credibility.
Broader Industry Context
The week’s developments collectively point to India’s diverse sectoral growth story — spanning telecom, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Airtel’s leadership change highlights the telecom sector’s evolving dynamics as it transitions deeper into the 5G and digital services era. Meanwhile, the inclusion of firms like Waaree Energies and Bajaj Holdings in the F&O segment suggests enhanced investor participation and market maturity.
Amber Enterprises’ investment decision reinforces India’s manufacturing ambitions, particularly in climate technology and innovation-led segments. Simultaneously, Seamec’s latest order contributes to India’s growing presence in the global offshore and underwater engineering market.
Together, these announcements underline a pattern of strategic expansion and confidence among Indian corporates. The developments also align with broader macroeconomic indicators — steady GDP growth, strong foreign inflows, and a policy push for digitalization, renewables, and manufacturing.
