UK's Vodafone and its Indian partner Essar on Thursday said they would explore opportunities in the telecom space in the Middle-East, while simultaneously working to become the largest mobile operator in India.

"We would explore growth opportunities in the Middle-East," Essar vice chairman Ravi Ruia said at a joint press conference with Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin to announce a partnership deal for India's fourth largest mobile firm

Hutch-Essar, which would be rechristened Vodafone Essar.

But ahead of that, the joint venture partners would look to expand services to 22 circles from the present 16. The company already has licences for six circles.

Sarin said Vodafone would use its operations in 25 countries to supplement its Indian business.

"The partnership would create next generation telecom business in India," Ruia said.

Asked about his plans to capture 25 per cent market share by 2010, Sarin said: "We are clearly determined to be number one player."

Bharti Airtel is the market leader with over 33 million subscribers.

On Bharti Airtel chief Sunil Mittal's plan to invest eight billion dollar by 2010, he said: "I would not join issue with others, but we would put in everything that is needed to become number one."

Sarin has in the past said he aims at increasing Hutch-Essar subscriber base to 100 million from the present 25 million.

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