India ready to lead next wave of biopharma innovation: Anupriya Patel
New Delhi, June 11
India is rapidly emerging as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse and is well-positioned to lead the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation, Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers Anupriya Patel said on Thursday.
While addressing ASSOCHAM's Pharma Summit & Awards 2026, she highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing, promote innovation, and build a resilient healthcare ecosystem capable of driving the country's long-term growth in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
"India is rapidly strengthening its position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse while preparing to lead the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation," she stated.
"India's journey towards becoming Atmanirbhar in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology is not only an economic objective but also a strategic necessity," the minister mentioned.
Highlighting the impact of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, she noted that India has significantly enhanced domestic manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and critical drugs, reducing dependence on imports across key pharmaceutical inputs.
The minister described biopharmaceuticals as India's next strategic frontier and said the recently announced Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti Mission reflects the government's strong commitment to innovation-led healthcare.
"The mission aims to facilitate the development of at least 100 biologics by 2047 and position India as a global hub for advanced therapies, novel biologics and next-generation healthcare solutions while strengthening its leadership in affordable generic medicines," Patel stated.
"The future of pharma will belong to those who innovate, collaborate and build for the world, and India is ready to lead," she added.
She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry, academia, startups, investors, regulators and healthcare institutions to enhance research capabilities, manufacturing strength, supply chain resilience and global quality standards.
Addressing the gathering, Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, said the Indian pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase of growth driven by innovation, quality, regulatory excellence and global competitiveness.
ASSOCHAM Past President Anil K. Agarwal said the pharmaceutical sector is at a defining moment where innovation, regulatory excellence and collaborative partnerships can help establish India as a global leader in advanced healthcare solutions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news! For too long we relied on China for APIs. The PLI scheme reducing import dependence is crucial - remember the paracetamol shortage during Covid? 😤 We have the talent, we have the manufacturing base. If we can fix the regulatory approvals timeline (still too slow compared to USFDA), we'll truly be unstoppable. Hope they also focus on environmental compliance in pharma clusters.
Sounds good on paper but will this actually translate to cheaper medicines for common people? 🙄 I still pay through my nose for life-saving drugs. Innovation is fine, but what about accessibility? The article talks about 'affordable generic medicines' but I'm not seeing the benefit in my monthly medical bills. Plus, why does every government scheme need a fancy name like 'Shakti Mission' - just deliver results.
Very encouraging to see India taking the lead in biopharma! 🇮🇳 I work with a US-based pharma company and we're already sourcing more APIs from India. The collaboration between government, industry and academia that Ms. Patel mentioned is exactly what's needed. The US could learn from India's PLI scheme approach. Looking forward to seeing those 100 biologics by 2047 - that's ambitious but achievable with this ecosystem.
Great to see focus on innovation, but I hope this doesn't mean we forget our strength in generic medicines. India's generic drug industry saves millions of lives globally every year. We need both - next-gen therapies AND affordable generics. Also, what about the shortage of skilled biotech researchers? We need more investment in education and training, not just missions. Let's not put the cart before the horse. 🧬
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