Vijay Mallya, chairman of debt-laden Kingfisher Airlines, has urged New Delhi to allow foreign airlines to take stakes of up to 25 per cent in Indian carriers to help the ailing aviation industry survive pressing financial difficulties.

Mr Mallya, head of an empire that spreads from alcohol to aviation interests, said in an interview that he was “approached constantly” by foreign carriers seeking tie-ups with Kingfisher, which is one of India’s two largest private airlines and renowned for its attentive service.