New Delhi, June 2 -- Vodafone Idea Ltd has begun discussions with the government to explore a resolution on the telecom operator's substantial dues, barely two weeks after the Supreme Court rejected its plea for a waiver on related payments.

The struggling company is also engaging with banks to secure debt funding for its long-term expansion, chief executive Akshaya Moondra said, adding that banks would want clarity on the dues the telco owes to the government before they agree to lend.

But it is not preventing the discussions from moving forward, Moondra said.

"I see no reason why the government should be constrained in any way to offer relief.," Moondra said on Monday during a call with analysts to discuss Vodafone Idea's March-quart...