International Delivery Of The Sputnik V Vaccine Will Start In January

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)

- Namita Kohli

Q/ India and Russia work together on multiple fronts. Collaborating on the Covid vaccine is probably the first engagement in the medical field.

A/ Russia’s long-standing track record as a medical pioneer and India’s world-class production and export capabilities are a great match. We are absolutely confident in India’s ability to manufacture the vaccine given that the country is already producing about 60 per cent of all vaccines globally. Its production capabilities are unmatched. Together, we will be able to meet the demand.

Q/ How do you plan to work with Indian manufacturers, suppliers and the drug regulator?

A/ In September, a partnership with Dr. Reddy’s was formed to conduct clinical trials of Sputnik V in India and to work together on its local distribution. As part of the partnership, 100 million doses of the vaccine will be supplied to Dr. Reddy’s upon regulatory approval in India. Dr. Reddy’s has been working in Russia for over 25 years and is a well-established and respected player.