Competitive Dimensions of State-Owned Enterprises in India: A view through the Telecommunications Lens

Competitive neutrality advocates for a level playing field between State-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private enterprises, and where State influence does not bring any competitive advantages or disadvantages. Currently, India does not have any policy of competitive neutrality to curtail the benefits that SOEs enjoy due to State influence. Such influence can cause market distortion to both domestic and international competition. The thesis examines Indian SOEs in the telecommunications sector and draws comparisons with Australia and the EU. The thesis finds that support from the Indian government negatively affects private enterprises and the Indian economy. The thesis thus finds that India requires a tailored competitive neutrality policy.