Prasad hits out at Vodafone for 'dictating' terms to India

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday hit out at British telco Vodafone for "dictating" terms to India when it threatened of withdrawing from the Indian market following a SC ruling.

He also said Mahanagar Telecom Nagar Ltd and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd are strategic assets that should remain in the fray and ensure better competition.

After the Supreme Court's ruling on the adjusted gross revenues (AGR) last month that created a liability of Rs 1.4 lakh crore for telecom firms, Vodafone's global leadership had cast doubts over the future of the company in India.

"I don't appreciate this kind of statement, firmly and clearly. We have given all the options of doing business but no one should dictate terms to us. India is a sovereign country," Prasad said while speaking at the Times Network's India Economic Conclave.

"India is a sovereign country, we are open to give all the benefits, all the indulgence, all the help, open to all the suggestions. But, any form of dictation is ...