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On Tuesday, an agreement has been signed between the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Serum Institute of India. In September, Indian Sputnik V can also get WHO approval. "The first batch of Sputnik vaccine is expected to be produced at SII's facilities in September," RDIF said in a statement on Tuesday.

Production of Sputnik will begin in September this year at Serum Institute of India. There has been an agreement between the two sides to make 300 million (300 million) vaccine doses every year. The matter regarding technical transfer between both the parties has been resolved. Serum has so far received cell, vector samples. "As part of the technical transfer process, SII has already received cell and vector samples from the Gamaleya Center. With their import approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the cultivation process has begun," RDIF said.

"RDIF is delighted to cooperate with Serum Institute of India, the world`s largest vaccine manufacturer. This strategic partnership is a major step to substantially increase our production capabilities demonstrating a perfect example of joining forces and expertise to save lives both in India and around the world. With technology transfer underway we expect the first batches of the vaccine to be produced jointly with SII in coming months," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, in a statement.

Serum Institute of India is currently the largest manufacturer of vaccine in India. Serum Institute is currently manufacturing Covax, Covishield at its factory in Pune. Apart from this, CodeGenics is also being trialed in the UK. 

"I am delighted to partner with RDIF to manufacture the Sputnik vaccine. We hope to make millions of doses in the coming months with trial batches starting in the month of September. With high efficacy and a good safety profile, it is critical that the Sputnik vaccine is accessible in full measure for people across India and the world. Given the uncertainty of the virus, it is important for international institutes, and governments to collaborate and further bolster up our fight against the pandemic,a added Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India.