India’s civil aviation ministry is upset with German carrier Lufthansa for its apparent backing of Jet Airways for inclusion into Star Alliance while state-run Air India is still waiting in the wings, according to a government official, The Economic Times of India reported. Following instructions from the civil aviation ministry, the Indian embassy in Germany has now written to Lufthansa, pointing out that the carrier’s move to back Jet Airways would put Air India (AI) at a disadvantage. “The first-member advantage to AI would be lost if this (Jet becoming member) were to happen,” said a government official. For both Jet and AI, the membership is vital because it would widen their network all across the world. According to new guidelines, domestic airlines need to obtain government approval before entering into any code-sharing agreement with foreign carriers. This is seen as a move to protect AI’s interests.