So finally, the Tata-SIA project seems to be coming to India despite your strong opposition. You had vowed that it would come here over your dead body.
I still stand by it. We are going to announce the new aviation policy and you shall see that there is going to be no 40 per cent foreign equity as speculated by the media. It is just the same as announced earlier.
But what of the talk that Jayanti Natarajan has been brought in to clip your opposition to Tata-SIA?
Speculation. I and the minister of state share excellent relations. We have agreed to a division of work. There is no problem.
How is the work going to be divided?
We have to work it out. But basically all ministry files will also go to her.
But has Tata-SIA shown interest in India even after your policy ruled out foreign equity participation?
They would. Anyone would. India is one of the biggest passenger markets in the world and for aviation companies to be interested is but natural. This, however, does not mean that they would get a slice of the cake.
What has been your primary opposition to Tata-SIA?
There is no question of opposing Tata-SIA. I would oppose any such alliance. If I allow Tata-SIA, what about the other international airlines? Can I refuse them similar requests if one consortium like this is allowed to take off? In a poor country like ours, can I ask foreign airliners to do what our domestic operators did, like airlift Indians trapped in the Gulf?
