The Hindu Business Line : `India does not discriminate against any company'

In the backdrop of Hutchison Port Holdings being denied a security clearance for participating in a bid to build and operate container terminals at the Chennai and Mumbai ports, the Shipping Ministry today said that all companies are welcome to invest in India.

"India does not discriminate against any company. Some international companies and domestic companies are brought under scrutiny for specific projects," said Mr A.K. Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Shipping, while speaking in the Indo-US Economic Summit here today.

Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Mr Mohapatra said, "Companies are scrutinised for specific projects. The clearances are project-specific."

Asked about the further dilution of stake in Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), he said, "There are no proposals to divest stake in SCI."

Speaking on public-private partnerships (PPPs) he said, "Balancing public purpose with viability of private enterprise is a complex exercise. Delicate balancing act should be undertaken continuously." Many countries have had failures in the PPP projects as well, he pointed out.

He also invited technical collaboration from the US for India's first Maritime University, which would be set up as a Central University.

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