Considering how corrupt their system is, I am surprised. Why didnt they just pay the right people? or did a competing company pay more?

https://wap.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-s-expert-panel-rejects-pfizer-s-application-for-covid-19-vaccine-121020600070_1.html

India required local validation of efficacy. Pfizer did not wish to have independent local testing under the watchful gaze of the Indian government.