Virgin talks telecom with Indian players

Branson said he is also in talks with Indian airline and telecom firms to buy stakes, but ruled out a time-table for the investments.

8216;8216;We are in talks with domestic airlines already set up and with those who want to enter the business,8217;8217; Branson said, adding, 8216;8216;We will be happy to take a 25 or 49 per cent.8217;8217;

He did not say if Virgin Blue and Deccan Airways were in talks or if Branson was likely to pick up a stake in it. Branson8217;s Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd presently runs three daily flights from the UK to India and wants a half share in the 42 new routes India opened this year.

8216;8216;We have applied for seven flights each to Mumbai and Delhi and some to Bangalore from the new rights,8217;8217; Branson said.