India, Russia trade could reach $20B

Trade between India and Russia has the potential to reach $10.0 billion in 2010 and $20.0 billion by 2015 but there are obstacles that need to be addressed for this to occur, reports the New Kerala newspaper. Among the problems noted are that the registration process for generic drugs in Russia takes almost two years, while Indian firms' filings of products from eastern European drugmakers were normally cleared in about a year.

Drugmakers fear boycott of pharmacies

Separately, Indian drugmakers are reportedly refusing to sell their products directly to retail chains because of concerns over a pharmacy boycott. The move came from the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists which are both retail and wholesale members.