Telenor wants to drop its Indian joint-venture partner Unitech after the Supreme Court revoked their mobile licences in the country and is seeking a new local partner, the Norwegian telecom firm said on Wednesday.
"Telenor Group holds Unitech liable for the breach of warranties related to the cancellation of the licences - seeking compensation for all investment, guarantees and damages caused by the Supreme Court Order," the firm said in a statement.
"It is Telenor Group's position that the strategic partnership with Unitech does not have a future, and it therefore will start the process of looking for a new Indian partner."
Unitech is "surprised" joint-venture partner Telenor was seeking compensation from Unitech and said it may consider taking legal action for breach of confidentiality.
"We empathically deny that the cancellation of the licences by the Supreme Court demonstrates a breach of any warranties on our part," the statement from Unitech said.
"We reserve our right to take appropriate legal action against Telenor for damages caused to Unitech Group from breach of the confidentiality obligation by Telenor."