India is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the global pharmaceutical sector, poised to spearhead the upcoming wave of biopharmaceutical innovation, as stated by Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, Anupriya Patel. Speaking at ASSOCHAM’s Pharma Summit & Awards 2026, she emphasized the government’s initiatives to bolster local manufacturing, foster innovation, and cultivate a resilient healthcare ecosystem essential for driving the nation’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors towards long-term growth.
Patel highlighted India’s progression towards self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, underscoring its significance not just as an economic goal but also as a strategic imperative. She pointed out the positive impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which have notably boosted the domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and crucial drugs, thereby reducing reliance on imports for key pharmaceutical inputs.
Emphasizing biopharmaceuticals as India’s forthcoming strategic frontier, Patel mentioned the recently announced Biopharma Shakti Mission worth Rs 10,000 crore, illustrating the government’s firm dedication to innovation-driven healthcare. The mission aims to support the development of a minimum of 100 biologics by 2047, positioning India as a global center for advanced therapies, innovative biologics, and cutting-edge healthcare solutions, while reinforcing its leadership in affordable generic medicines.
Stressing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and global leadership in the pharmaceutical sector, Patel expressed India’s readiness to take the lead. She called for enhanced cooperation among government bodies, industry players, educational institutions, startups, investors, regulators, and healthcare facilities to boost research capabilities, manufacturing capacities, supply chain resilience, and international quality standards.
In his address to the audience, Manoj Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, highlighted that the Indian pharmaceutical industry is entering a new growth phase driven by innovation, quality, regulatory excellence, and global competitiveness. Anil K. Agarwal, Past President of ASSOCHAM, noted that the pharmaceutical industry is at a pivotal juncture where innovation, regulatory excellence, and collaborative partnerships can position India as a global frontrunner in advanced healthcare solutions.
