The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said that production of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in India is expected to start in September, The Economic Times reported Sunday.

"RDIF expects India to become a major production hub for the Sputnik V vaccine with such companies as Serum Institute of India…, Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma, Virchow Biotech and Morepen Laboratories working to produce the vaccine," RDIF noted

RDIF called rumours of delays "incorrect," noting that some partners in India "have already produced the second component batches, which are undergoing verification at the Gamaleya Center in Russia."

"Transfer of technology to partners in India is also in process and there is an active exchange between Russian and Indian vaccine production specialists," RDIF added.