Russia’s life now in Indian hands; while western countries withdraw, ‘world’s pharmacy’ won’t stand watching

NEW DELHI: As the Russian invasion in Ukraine nears a month, the sanctions imposed by the West and the United States have begun to affect Russia. There has been a decline in the availability of medicines especially in the health sector. Reports suggest that western companies are withdrawing from the Russian market. However, Russia remains hopeful that their ‘all-weather friend’ India will fill the gap and solve the issue. The Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov had hinted about the same, last day.

“The withdrawal of many Western companies from the Russian market and those niches that have been vacated may actually be occupied by Indian companies in many industries, in particular, in pharmaceuticals”, Alipov said. India is a ‘world pharmacy’ and a leading manufacturer of drug copies that are no worse than the original. Russia had publicly commended India's efforts to rapidly expand vaccines production and supplies at critical junctures of the pandemic. Russia is looking to enhance economic engagement with non-European countries. India occupies an important place in it.

“We have repeatedly stated that we have welcomed the independent foreign policy of India and strengthening its role and its influence in the international arena", Alipov said.