CNN-IBN has reportedly accessed Home Ministry documents which raise government’s concerns over Etisalat DB Telecom operations in India due to its links with Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Ministry has disallowed the company’s request for bringing in additional foreign investment.
Headquartered in Mumbai India, Etisalat DB is a a joint venture between Etisalat and DB Realty – the company was renamed from Swan Telecom to Etisalat DB in June 2009 when Etisalat of UAE had bought majority stakes in the company.
Etisalat DB has been awarded the Unified Services Access License in 15 circles including Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu (including Chennai), Uttar Pradesh (East), Uttar Pradesh (West), Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
Etisalat has its presence in Pakistan through 26 percent controlling stakes in PTCL.
India has repeatedly hurdled global telecom companies, having operations in Pakistan at any scale, to operate in India. It is feared that Indian Home Ministry may further tighten the grip over the company.
Previous examples of Indian government’s clash with telecom operators include:
