Qatar Airways Denies Talks of Buying Stake in Indian Carriers

Doha, January 15 (QNA) - Qatar Airways 'categorically denies' it is interested in taking up a stake in any Indian airline, Qatar's national carrier said Tuesday in a media statement. Dismissing speculative reports published recently in a section of the media, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said, "Qatar Airways categorically denies it is interested in investing in Spicejet or any other Indian airline. This is pure speculation by individuals who deliberately want to spread such unfounded rumours to raise the stock value of their entities. "India is a huge market and a potentially lucrative one. While we have expressed interest in expanding our presence in India, we will only be interested in any potential investment once we are sure regulations and laws are properly liberalised. I can confirm we are currently not talking to any Indian airline," said Al-Baker. News reports suggesting Qatar Airways is 'talks' with some airlines in India were published recently in the media following Indian authorities' decision to relax the strigent rules to attract investment from foreign commerical aviation companies. (QNA)