Centre, Pfizer look to resolve indemnity row

Pfizer and the Indian government are seeking to resolve tensions over a demand by the US drugmaker for legal protection from any claims linked to the use of its Covid-19 vaccine in one of the world’s biggest markets.

India has not given any manufacturer of a Covid-19 vaccine indemnity against the costs of compensation for any severe side effects, which is a condition Pfizer has obtained in many countries, including Britain and the United States.

But three other officials aware of the developments told Reuters that some form of legal protection is still on the table as India and Pfizer work to reach a vaccine deal.

India’s foreign minister plans to visit the United States in the coming weeks in part to ease Pfizer’s concerns, one of the sources said. He could offer Pfizer some form of protection from lawsuits in exchange for the company providing additional assistance with distributing its shots in India, two other sources said. The Indian foreign ministry and health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. NEW DELHI/NEW YORK: