The central government and American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer are seeking to resolve tensions over the latter’s demand for legal protection from any claims linked to the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in India, reported Reuters quoting sources.

Also read: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan sets new target to complete adult vaccination

As of now, India has not given an indemnity to any COVID vaccine manufacturer against the costs of compensation for any severe side effects. Pfizer has obtained this condition in many countries where its shots have already been used, including Britain and the United States. However, the sources told Reuters that India and Pfizer are working to reach some form of a legal deal.

India continues to be one of the worst-hit countries by COVID-19, with a caseload exceeding 250,000 every day.

Also read: Centre to outsource COVID vaccines, discuss shortage with WHO: Reports

The vaccine deal with Pfizer would be critical for the Centre, which is struggling to fulfil the demand amid vaccine shortage across the country.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar plans to visit the US in the coming weeks to ease Pfizer’s concerns, said a source, reported Reuters. Jaishankar could offer Pfizer some form of protection from lawsuits in exchange for shots, other two sources said.

A Pfizer spokeswoman said that the company is still in talks with India on a deal but they have not reached a settlement, while the central government did not respond to a request for comment.

Also read: Vaccine firms to give 3.5 billion doses to poorer nations at cost or discount

Last month, India pledged fast-track approvals for overseas vaccine makers including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson. However, none of them sought permission from India’s drug regulator to sell their vaccine.

As per the sources, Reuters reported that the issue being discussed between Pfizer and India was the government’s insistence on a local trial for any vaccine approval.