TCIL Blacklists Cisco for Anti-Competitive Practices

State-owned TCIL has blacklisted Cisco Systems India from participating in its tenders for two years over alleged non-responsive and anti-competitive practices. The issue arose from a Karnataka state e-governance tender where Cisco failed to provide necessary documents and introduced new conditions, harming fair competition.

In a significant move, state-owned Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) has banned Cisco Systems India from participating in its future tenders for two years. The decision comes in response to alleged non-responsive, monopolistic, and anti-competitive practices by Cisco in a Karnataka state e-governance tender.

According to an order dated January 14, 2026, TCIL alleged that Cisco's conduct aimed at excluding and sabotaging TCIL's participation in public procurement for commercial advantage. The blacklisting will not affect existing contracts, but Cisco is accused of withholding mandatory bid documents and introducing new terms unfairly.

Cisco has denied the allegations, claiming adherence to local laws and high standards of conduct. However, TCIL insists that Cisco's actions have created artificial entry barriers, affecting a strategically important tender and violating competitive fairness, thus betraying the company's trust.

(With inputs from agencies.)