(a) whether the State Bank of India and Canara Bank have jointly
ventured to open a Commercial Bank of India in Russia;
(b) if so, the main objectives of this joint venture; and
(c) when this new bank is likely to commence its functioning ?
(a) whether the State Bank of India and Canara Bank have jointly
ventured to open a Commercial Bank of India in Russia;
(b) if so, the main objectives of this joint venture; and
(c) when this new bank is likely to commence its functioning ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE & COMPANY AFFAIRS(SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL)
(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted State
Bank of India and Canara Bank to establish a joint venture subsidiary in
Russia as the Russian laws permit foreign banks` presence only through a
locally registered subsidiary/ joint venture incorporated in Russia. The
main objective of the joint venture is to have presence of Indian banks in
Russia.
(c): The first stage approval from the Central Bank of the Russian
Federation has since been received by the banks concerned and the
second stage applications are under process. RBI has extended the
validity of its permission to establish the above joint venture bank in
Russia upto 1st March, 2003.