Indian pharmaceutical companies may replace Western manufacturers leaving the Russian market, Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov said on Friday.
"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," Mr Alipov told the Rossiya 24 broadcaster, as quoted by Sputnik news agency.
The newly appointed Russian envoy added that India is a "world pharmacy" and a leading manufacturer of drug copies that are no worse than the original.
India's Vaccine Maitri initiative last year reinforced its credentials as the "pharmacy of the world".
World leaders publicly commended India's efforts to rapidly expand vaccines production and supplies at critical junctures of the pandemic.
This decision to replace manufacturers in pharmaceutical comes at a time when Russia has been bombarded with sanctions from Western countries. Now Russia is looking to enhance economic engagement with countries non-European countries.
Earlier this month, Mr Alipov had said that Moscow has welcomed the independent foreign policy of India amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Touching upon the relations with India, Alipov said, "Prime Minister (Modi) and the Indian leadership meet the consistent independent policy of the state in international affairs. 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."
The Russian envoy also hailed the Indian foreign policy stand on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Over 3,000 North Korean Soldiers Killed, Wounded In Russia's Kursk: Zelensky Swiss Government Adopts More EU Sanctions On Russia And Belarus 2nd ODI: Momentum On Their Side, India Women Eye Series Win Against West Indies Trump Says US Ownership Of Greenland Absolutely Necessary, Nation Responds Delta Airline Passenger Gets Frustrated After His First-Class Seat Was Given To Service Dog Pakistan May Get 40 5th-Gen Stealth Fighter Jets From China Within 2 Years Israel Acknowledges It Killed ex-Hamas Lader Haniyeh in Iran Explainer-What Is Panama Canal And Why Has Trump Threatened To Take It Over? Two Arrested For Lynching Man Over Stealing Money In Mizoram: Cops Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.