Indian players in two minds about collaboration on Russian vaccine

Russia reached out to India, players are open to collaborate but seek clarity on data

Indian vaccine makers are in two minds about partnering Russian agencies to make the Sputnik V vaccine for Covid-19 after the Union health ministry on Tuesday said the two countries have initiated dialogue. India is a key player, producing 60 per cent of the world’s vaccines.

A source at Zydus Cadila, one of the front runners in India’s vaccine race, said the firm was open to collaborations with Russia for the Sputnik V if the Indian regulator gives the nod. “There will not be any technological challenge to manufacture the vaccines here,” the official said.

However, the world’s largest vaccine maker by