France’s high-end department store chain Galeries Lafayette is seeking to launch in India.

A Times of India report revealed that the firm is currently engaged in talks with local firm Bharti Realty in connection with the planned launch. 

Galeries Lafayette has outlets in several countries and is currently expanding rapidly in China in partnership with Hong Kong’s I.T Group.

Bharti Realty has also recently also been in discussions with Apple regarding the tech firm’s potential second flagship in the territory.

Apple’s presence in India thus far is under franchise, although it is now planning its first 20,000–25,000sqft company-owned store for Mumbai since the Indian government amended rules for single brand licence holders.

The launches are planned for Bharti Realty’s Aerocity complex located near IGI Airport. American firm Saks Fifth Avenue had been in line to open in the complex before talks with its potential local partner stalled.