Vodafone-Idea deal could speed up India telecoms consolidation

By Sankalp Phartiyal and Devidutta Tripathy MUMBAI (Reuters) - A proposed merger between Vodafone's India operation and Idea Cellular would create a market leader in India's crowded and hyper-competitive telecoms sector, forcing smaller players into two likely options: merge or exit altogether. Britain's Vodafone confirmed on Monday it was in talks to merge its Indian subsidiary with its local rival in an all-share deal, driving Idea's shares to a near six-month high on Tuesday. The combined ent