Press Information Bureau

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

08-May-2012 14:27 IST

Clarification on AIRCEL Issue

The Central Government’s attention has been drawn to a report in one newspaper containing allegations against a proposal for foreign investment that was considered by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

The report is factually incorrect and totally baseless.

Government had earlier issued a press release on April 28, 2012 regarding the foreign investment made by M/s. Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, Mauritius to acquire 73.99 per cent equity in M/s. Aircel Ltd.  The contents of that statement are correct and are reiterated.

            Subsequently another application was received for downstream investment  by M/s Global Communications Services Holdings Ltd.  The relevant dates are:

1.9.2006                      Application for Investment

3.10.2006                    Meeting of FIPB: FIPB recommends proposal.

6.10.2006                    Minutes of FIPB drawn up and moved by Deputy Secretary.

12.10.2006      Finance Minister approves the minutes.

20.10.2006      Formal letter of approval issued.

It will be clear from the above that the proposal was processed in the normal course and approval was granted in the normal course without any delay.

It is unfortunate that baseless allegations are continued to be made without verifying the facts.

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DSM/Hb

Foreign investment approval confirmed as processed in normal course after FIPB recommendation and ministerial authorization. The Government confirms that a downstream foreign investment application by M/s Global Communication Services Holdings Ltd, Mauritius was processed through the normal regulatory approval sequence-application receipt, FIPB recommendation, minutes drafted and moved, ministerial approval of the minutes, and formal approval letter issued-and states this processing occurred without delay, rejecting a newspaper report as factually incorrect and reiterating the earlier press release.