From correspondents in Delhi, India, 01:01 PM IST

Leading Indian telecom services major Bharti Airtel Saturday said it has called off talks with South Africa's MTN for a possible merger.

'Discussions were on till late last night without a breakthrough. Accordingly, Bharti has decided to disengage from the ongoing talks and has conveyed the same to MTN,' the company, promoted by Sunil Mittal, said in a statement.

The two companies were unable to come to an understanding on what the structure of the new enterprise will be, Bharti officials said.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)