This country could potentially be the first to approve the vaccine from the British drugmaker, as the British regulatory agency continues to review trial data. India, known as the world's largest vaccine producer, aims to begin vaccinating its population next month and is considering emergency use authorization for vaccines from Pfizer Inc and Bharat Biotech. Distributing the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine in India, a country with high infection rates, would be a significant step in combating the pandemic. This particular vaccine is seen as crucial for lower-income countries and those in warm climates due to its affordability, ease of transportation, and ability to be stored at regular refrigerator temperatures for extended periods. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization in India initially evaluated the applications on December 9th and requested additional information from all companies, including the Serum Institute of India, which is producing the AstraZeneca vaccine. The world's largest vaccine manufacturer, SII, has submitted all the necessary data according to two sources. Indian health officials are still waiting for more information from Pfizer and Bharat Biotech, as stated by a government health adviser during a news briefing on Tuesday. There are ongoing discussions between Indian and British health authorities regarding the AstraZeneca shot, with signs pointing towards an approval expected by next week. Recent data from AstraZeneca's trials in the UK and Brazil showed varying efficacy rates, with the Indian regulator currently only considering the two full-dose regimen despite lower success rates. One of the sources announced that the serum is prepared and there could be an initial supply of 50 million to 60 million doses. The sources preferred to remain anonymous due to ongoing discussions and the possibility of timeline changes. CDSCO chief V.G. Somani did not provide a comment when asked. Bharat Biotech and Pfizer chose not to comment, while SII did not respond immediately to an email requesting a comment. India has not finalized an agreement for vaccine supply with any company, however, Serum Institute of India (SII) has already accumulated over 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and aims to produce a total of 400 million doses by July.