The Bharti-MTN deal off late has assumed so much significance that it is being pursued at the highest level by governments of both the countries i.e. India and South Africa. On Thursday, South African President, Jacob Zuma said that some legal obstacles in India are holding the deal from materializing.

“I am told there are hitches in terms of law, particularly on the Indian side because you are talking about companies that must come together,” said the PM.

“I think the support will come once one has all the facts and you know exactly what is happening,” he added.

The latest hurdle to hit the proposed merger is the keenness of South African government to have dual listing of the firms. In India such dual listing is not allowed.