European Union wants the Indian government to give Vodafone a fair chance in Hutch deal

European Union wants the Indian government to give Vodafone a fair chance in Hutch deal

The European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has asked the Indian government to give the UK based telecom company Vodafone a fair chance in the bidding for a stake in the Indian mobile service provider Hutch.

He spoke to his Indian counterpart Kamal Nath supporting Vodafone in their bid to get a stake in Hutch to enter India in a big way.

Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin is also expected to visit India in the coming days as part of his aim to win this deal.

Vodafone in addition to Essar and Reliance are aiming to buy the Hutchison Whampoa’s stake in Hutch. Essar already owns a part of the company and is likely to be a strong contender to win the deal. Hutchison has already said that they would take a decision within 15 days.

Essar on their part have their own issues with Hutchison over their first right of refusal on the deal. They might even go to courts if the deal does not go in their favor.