TCIL bars Cisco India from tenders for two years over Karnataka e-Governance bid row

State-run TCIL has barred Cisco Systems India from future tenders for two years, alleging anti-competitive conduct during a key Karnataka e-governance project, while existing contracts remain unaffected and Cisco contests the allegations.

State-owned Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd (TCIL) has blacklisted Cisco Systems India from participating in its tenders for a period of two years, accusing the networking major of unfair and exclusionary practices in a Karnataka government project bid.

In an order issued on January 14, 2026, TCIL said Cisco’s actions during a recent tender process reflected non-responsive and monopolistic behaviour that undermined fair competition. The public sector undertaking alleged that the conduct was aimed at obstructing TCIL’s participation in a public procurement process for commercial advantage.

Under the decision, Cisco Systems India will be barred from all future tenders, bids, requests for proposals and procurement processes floated by TCIL during the two-year period. However, TCIL clarified that the restriction will not impact any existing contracts, ongoing projects or previously awarded work involving the company.

Karnataka e-Governance tender at the centre

The dispute relates to a tender issued by the Karnataka Centre for e-Governance to appoint a system integrator for the KSWAN 3.0 project. The project involves providing statewide network connectivity for government offices across Karnataka, along with operations and maintenance services for five years. The bid submission deadline was January 14, 2026.

TCIL alleged that it had approached Cisco in December 2025 to seek original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support, including technical compliance documents, product details and the mandatory manufacturer authorisation form required for government tenders. Despite multiple reminders and follow-ups, TCIL claimed Cisco failed to provide the required documentation within stipulated timelines.

According to the PSU, Cisco executives assured during a meeting on January 12 that the documents would be shared the same day, but the commitment was not honoured. TCIL further alleged that Cisco attempted to introduce new conditions at the final stage of bid submission, including an unprecedented undertaking to be signed by TCIL’s chairman and managing director.

Cisco responds

TCIL said such conditions had never been imposed in earlier collaborations between the two entities and described the move as a deliberate attempt to block its bid.

In response to a query, Cisco said it complies with local laws and regulations in all markets where it operates and adheres to high standards under its code of business conduct. The company added that it remains engaged with TCIL on the matter and continues to focus on serving customers in India.

There was no separate official comment from TCIL beyond the order.