Several Russian companies have approached the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexsil) to secure an immediate supply of veterinary drugs as sanctions imposed by the West have led to a shortage of medicines for the country’s vast livestock population.
Russia has also requested the supply of pharmaceutical raw materials, vaccines and feed additives.
This is the second such request from Russia to an Indian government agency to boost pharma exports since the start of Ukraine war.
Russia is India’s fourth largest destination for pharmaceutical exports. Indian companies exported drugs worth an estimated $597 million in the year ended March 31.
According to the April 25 circular issued by Pharmexcil, Eurovetpharm LLC, a Russian distributor and developer of veterinary drugs, is exploring business opportunities with India.
“EurovetFarm is seeking cooperation with Indian manufacturers of vaccines, veterinary drugs, active pharmaceutical substances and feed additives for poultry, swine and cattle for subsequent export to the Russian Federation. The company further intends to explore the possibilities of contract manufacturing under its own brand name in association with Indian players.”
“These Russian companies intend to place their orders in the next 15-20 days and start the import process within 2-3 months,” Bhaskar said.
According to the circular, another Russian firm, Roslake, which runs a chain of chemist shops, is seeking to procure Ayurvedic products from India.
“A Russian based chain of chemical shops is seeking procurement of select Ayurvedic products from India. The chain was established in 2004, with 65 outlets in the Yakutia and Vladimir regions of Russia. The list of desired products shared by the company are ayurvedic medicine, scented oils, hair oils, ointments, food supplements, shampoos and soaps.”
Emailed queries to the spokespersons of the Russian Embassy in New Delhi were answered till press time.
Last week, Mint reported that Russia is used in surgical departments for newborns and premature babies, pediatric urology and andrology, neurosurgical, trauma and surgery, dentistry, anesthesiology and resuscitation operating rooms, and intensive care and maxillofacial surgery. Demanding the supply of medical equipment to be carried out.