Delay for Vodafone's India deal

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Indian regulators have delayed their decision on whether to clear Vodafone's $11.1bn (£5.7bn) deal to take a controlling stake in Hutchison Essar.

They have asked for more time to ensure the move will not put too much of Hutchison into foreign hands, contravening Indian investment rules.

However, Vodafone said it was confident it would satisfy the requirements and could complete the deal.

Chief executive Arun Sarin said that approval was only weeks away.

Vodafone is buying a 67% stake in the firm.

India's Foreign Investment Promotion Board was examining if the shareholding structure broke regulations allowing foreign ownership of up to 74% in a domestic telecoms firm.