Big adversities and some mistakes: The story of Vodafone's fall in India

What adds to Nick Read's worries is the Supreme Court judgment, which has directed the telcos to pay their outstanding amount within three months

When Vodafone Plc in 2007 acquired a majority stake in Hutchison Essar, its (Vodafone’s) Indian-born chief executive officer (CEO) Arun Sarin did not hide his exuberance after emerging as the winner against tough competition.

“We have got it at a reasonable price. And I am confident that the business will make a major contribution to the Vodafone group over the coming years,” he said to the media.

Yet 12 years later, Sarin’s strategy to bring the company to the world’s fastest-growing markets has not only drained Vodafone’s financial resources, but has not given any return to its shareholders. That is why the