Jan 15 (Reuters) - Telstra Group TLS.AX on Wednesday proposed a partnership with U.S.-listed Accenture ACN.N to improve the operations of Australia's top telco through artificial intelligence $(AI)$, as part of its ongoing vendor consolidation strategy.

The proposed joint venture is part of a broader strategy to streamline Telstra's vendor relationships, reducing its data and AI providers from 18 to just two joint ventures.

This consolidation follows a similar effort in Telstra's Software Engineering & IT division last year, which cut its vendors from over 400 to two strategic partners.

The JV aims to improve Telstra's business processes by introducing advanced AI systems that help teams work more efficiently, the two companies said in a joint press release. It also intends to develop specialized AI tools and training programs to enhance the skills and AI knowledge of Telstra's workforce.

"As part of the JV, Telstra would benefit from Accenture's $3 billion AI investment in assets, industry solutions, ventures, acquisitions, talent and ecosystem partnerships, with access to the latest innovation in AI technologies and AI teams in Silicon Valley."

The proposed seven-year joint venture, which requires approval from Telstra's employees and unions, would offer positions to Telstra's main Data and AI staff in Australia and India, with the promise of roles at Telstra after the venture ends, it said.

The JV would be 60% owned by the Ireland-headquartered IT services firm, however no detail on the agreement's financing was provided.

(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)

((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))