IAG is considering selling its stake in Indian general insurer SBI General, further reducing its Asian footprint.

According to the Indian Economic Times, IAG is in talks with six private equity funds over its 26% stake, with Goldman Sachs mediating.

IAG’s Asian investments have been a source of friction with institutional investors, who see little upside in building operations in the region.

The group sold its Thai operations for $200 million profit this year and is expected to sell its Indonesian and Vietnamese interests this financial year.

Its first-half net profit after tax fell $51 million to $500 million, including the profit from its Thailand sale.

It made only a $13 million profit from its share in SBI General in the first quarter of this year, according to its recent investor report.

IAG is continuing to assess options for its Indian and Malaysian interests, the Indian report says.

“Discussions have been held with external parties regarding a potential sale of all or part of IAG’s 26% interest in SBI General,” IAG told the sharemarket last week.

“There is no certainty that a transaction will occur.”