Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Ali Baker has confirmed that the West Asian carrier is interested in buying stakes in an Indian carrier.

Mr. Baker said that Indian civil aviation sector is a massive and potentially rewarding market. He said Qatar Airways would invest in an Indian airline once the regulations and the laws are properly liberalised.

Speaking to reporters in Doha, Mr. Baker said, "India is a huge market, India is a potentially lucrative market. Qatar Airways will be interested once we are sure the regulations and the laws are properly liberalised."

Qatar Airways is in search of a new partner after it sold its 35 per cent stake in Luxembourg-based Cargolux Airlines International to the government for US$117.5 million.

Several foreign airlines shown interest in the Indian market after Manmohan Singh-led government in September permitted foreign carriers to own up to 49 per cent stake in domestic carriers, as part of a push to attract more foreign direct investment and boost up growth. The move opened up a possible new source to get funds for struggling Kingfisher Airlines, which is currently burdened under a huge debt and losses worth more than 15,000 crore.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is already in discussions with India's government owned Jet Airways and the grounded carrier Kingfisher Airlines.