Putin announces Russia's approval for world's first Covid-19 vaccine

Russia on Tuesday said it has developed the world's first vaccine against Covid-19 that works "quite effectively", with President Vladimir Putin disclosing that one of his daughters has already been vaccinated.

After the announcement, Moscow said it is willing to discuss with New Delhi prospects of bilateral cooperation on the new vaccine.

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New Delhi, however, is likely to tread cautiously as it has taken note of the scepticism over the Russian President’s announcement. Experts have raised concerns about the speed of Russia's work, suggesting that researchers might be cutting corners.

Sources told DH that Moscow has already indicated to New Delhi its willingness to discuss terms of cooperation on the new vaccine, including its production and distribution in India.

“Compliments to the Russian scientists who worked on the development of the first #COVID19 vaccine that was registered today! It is a big contribution to the global fight against the pandemic. A proud moment!” Russia’s Ambassador to India, Nikolay Kudashev, tweeted.

India is likely to take a call only after assessing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

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Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS, said that New Delhi should first check the safety and efficacy of the vaccine before producing and distributing it in India.

Earlier, Putin said the vaccine, which has been named Sputnik-V, forms a "stable immunity" against the deadly disease.

"A vaccine against coronavirus has been registered for the first time in the world this morning," Putin said during a meeting with members of his government.

(With PTI inputs)