Singapore Airlines (SQ, Singapore Changi) and Tata Sons have decided to inject additional INR20 billion rupees (USD273 million) into their Indian joint venture Vistara (UK, Delhi International) ahead of the carrier's planned international debut, the Economic Times has reported.

As disclosed in a filing with the Corporate Affairs Ministry, the two entities have injected funds in proportion to their respective share in the joint venture. Tata Sons, a 51% shareholder, invested INR10.2 billion rupees (USD139.4 million), while the Singaporean flag carrier, a 49% shareholder, injected INR9.8 billion rupees (USD133.9 million).

Vistara did not disclose what it will use the additional capital for.

The full service carrier was initially looking at launching international routes in October 2018, although these plans are now delayed to December due to the ongoing approval process. So far, the carrier has not received the necessary permits and has not announced a specific timeline of its expansion beyond India.

Live Mint has reported that the reason for the delay might be the ongoing investigation into AirAsia India (Bangalore International) international plans. The Central Bureau of Investigations suspects that the LCC might have reverted to corruption to secure its international permit despite not fulfilling the required criteria.

"With the general elections coming up next year, bureaucrats may be wary of granting Vistara overseas flight permits in the backdrop of CBI investigating another airline," a source said.

Tata Sons holds a 49% stake in AirAsia India.