Sources say Cipla has asked the Indian government for indemnification and exemptions from price capping, bridging trials and basic customs duty, as the company seeks fast-track approvals to bring Moderna's single-dose COVID-19 booster vaccine in India quickly, reported Business Standard.

Cipla also says it is close to committing over $1 billion as advance to Moderna, according to the report.

The Indian drugmaker said its discussions with Moderna on the COVID-19 booster vaccine are nearing finalisation and for that, they are seeking the "partnership and support of the government to make this programme successful."

The company has said it is a "need of the hour" to provide access to quality vaccine booster to bolster India's fight against COVID-19 and that it is looking forward to the government's assurance to help it close its supply arrangement with Moderna.

Seeking an exemption from price restriction, Cipla said that "given the size of the population we need to immunize with boosters, it is our avid belief that the government and private players can work together to deliver the vaccination programme, best serving the public interest."