Sanjay Kapoor's exit from Bharti Airtel comes with a bigger role for Manoj Kohli, its joint managing director and chief executive officer, international operations. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh heads of Bharti Airtel, who used to report to Kapoor, will now report to Kohli.

This is also an indication of the greater role Kohli may play in the company that has registered decline in profits for 12 quarters.

Kohli may be elevated to the position of global CEO of the company later this year, said sources. His earlier stint as CEO of Bharti Airtel was highly successful.

India was one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world. However, now, all operators are facing financial pressure due to intense competition.

Last year, Bharti wanted to shift Kapoor to Africa, sources said, though this could not be confirmed from the company.