We knew that Airtel was preparing to launch iPhone 3GS in India, but we didn’t know the exact launch date. Now, Bharti Airtel’s official Twitter account has let it slip that it will be launching the latest iPhone handset on March 26. The handset will be available at Airtel authorized retail stores across India, including select Airtel Relationship Centres.

Airtel has also disclosed the Indian pricing for the iPhone 3GS. The 16GB model will cost Rs 35,000 ($780), while the 32GB model will cost Rs 41,500 ($910).

Needless to say, the pricing is outrageous for a locked handset, which will become outdated within a few months. But then again, no one really cares. Apple certainly doesn’t care about Indian consumers and merely treats it as a dumping ground. Airtel knows that the success or failure of iPhone won’ have a big impact on its bottom-line and is simply trying to leech as much as possible from Apple aficionados and mobile-enthusiasts. Thankfully, there are plenty of viable alternatives for Indian consumers. Sony Xperia X10 and Motorola Milestone (Droid), which are rumoured to be priced at around Rs 30,000, are just a couple of alternatives offering better value for money.