French retailer Carrefour is in talks with Indian giant Reliance Retail about forming a joint venture.

Carrefour has been negotiating to operate in India in partnership with tycoon Kishore Biyani’s Future Group, but no deal has been struck.

The French group is now talking to other potential partners, including Aditya Birla and Spencer’s Retail as well as Reliance, Indian media reported.

An unnamed Reliance Retail executive was quoted as saying preliminary discussions were held.

Top global retailers Wal-Mart and Tesco have already forged partnerships with Indian groups Bharti and Tata respectively.