Tested Russian Vaccine 'Sputnik V' Arriving to India? - Details of Russian Ambassador's Statement

The Russian Ambassador to India, Nikolai Kudashev formally reached out to India on Tuesday. He attempted to seek India’s partnership for producing its COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V. According to media reports, Russia is planning to produce almost 6 million doses of the vaccine per month. 

The Indian embassy has been consistently trying to engage with the Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology where the vaccine was developed. India has been trying to obtain data about the safety and efficacy of vaccine trials. 

Earlier last week, Kiril Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) publicly stated that Russia is interested in striking a partnership with India for producing COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V. 

Meanwhile the World Health Organization commented on Russia’s vaccine and stated,”30% protection at the population level is needed. Phase III only starting, which will really be the test of efficacy."

According to News 18’S report, “Sputnik V has been developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, along with the RDIF. The vaccine has not been tested in Phase 3 or larger clinical trials. Addressing an online press briefing, Dmitriev said several nations are interested in the production of the vaccine from countries in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.”

While talking about the production of the vaccine, Dmitriev said, "The production of the vaccine is a very important issue. Currently, we are looking for a partnership with India. We believe that they are capable of producing the Gamaleya vaccine and it is very important to say that those partnerships to produce the vaccine will enable us to cover the demand that we have."

“We are going to do clinical trials not just in Russia but also in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, probably in Brazil and India. We are planning to produce the vaccine in more than five countries and there is a very high demand from Asia, Latin America, Italy and other parts of the world regarding the delivery of the vaccine," he added.