MUMBAI — The Indian government decided on Thursday to allow foreign retailers like Wal-Mart and Tesco to open stores in the country, the first time that policy makers have moved to open India’s vast and fast-growing retail market to outsiders.

The long-awaited decision by the cabinet of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will allow retailers who sell multiple brands of products to own 51 percent of their Indian operations, with the rest held by an Indian partner. Previously, such retailers were not allowed to conduct retail business in the country.

Companies like Apple and Nike that sell only one brand of product in their retail operations will now be allowed to own 100 percent of their stores, up from 51 percent.

A spokesman for the governing Congress Party confirmed the move on Indian television but provided no details about the decision, which is opposed by small-store owners and many political parties, including one that supports Mr. Singh’s government. A senior minister was expected to make a statement about the decision in Parliament on Friday.