Key Points

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met with pharma industry leaders to discuss boosting R&D and competitiveness. The meeting comes amid concerns over US tariffs, which could impact key sectors. India’s pharma exports to the US grew by 14% in July 2025. Major firms like Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s dominate India’s US market presence.

Key Points: Piyush Goyal Meets Pharma Leaders to Boost R&D and Competitiveness

  • Goyal emphasizes Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision for pharma sector
  • US tariff concerns prompt strategic discussions
  • India accounts for 6% of US pharma imports
  • Major Indian pharma firms like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s have strong US exposure
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Piyush Goyal meets pharma industry leaders to discuss R&D, competitiveness boost

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discusses strategies to strengthen India’s pharma sector, focusing on R&D and global competitiveness amid US tariff concerns.

"Had an inspiring interaction with leaders of India’s pharmaceutical industry. Discussed strategies to boost competitiveness & advance the R&D ecosystem. – Piyush Goyal"

New Delhi, August 15

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has discussed strategies to boost competitiveness and strengthen research and development activities with the business representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.

"Had an inspiring interaction with leaders of India's pharmaceutical industry. Discussed strategies to boost competitiveness & advance the R&D ecosystem. Driven by the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' & 'Make In India for the World' vision, our Government remains committed to further enhancing India's position in the global healthcare value chain," Goyal wrote in a X post.

The meeting is taking place at a time when concerns over US reciprocal tariffs are raising the prospect of significant impacts on many sectors, except for a slew of exempted ones. The Ministry is actively engaging with industry stakeholders to assess the potential impact of import tariffs and to chart a strategic path forward.

Pharmaceuticals, electronics and semiconductors, energy products and certain minerals, copper, lumber, bullion, and automobiles and auto components are among the sectors exempted from the tariffs.

In Financial Year (FY) 2025, around 40 per cent of India's pharmaceutical exports were directed to the United States. India's share in the US's total pharma imports stood at 6 per cent in 2024.

As per a secondary market research analysis published by Bain and Company in the year 2025, Indian pharmaceutical exports ranked 11th globally in value terms in the year 2023 and accounted for 3 per cent of the total pharmaceutical exports.

As per the monthly trade data released by the Commerce Ministry, the major drivers of merchandise exports growth in July 2025 include engineering goods, electronic goods, gems & jewellery, drugs & pharmaceuticals and organic & inorganic chemicals.

The data shows that the drugs & pharmaceuticals exports increased by 14.06 per cent from USD 2.33 billion in July 2024 to USD 2.66 billion in July 2025.

Major Indian pharmaceutical companies such as Company Sun Pharmaceutical, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Cipla, Biocon, Lupin, Glenmark Pharma, and Zydus (Zydus Lifesciences) have the biggest exposure to the US markets.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While boosting exports is good, I hope the government ensures quality control. We've seen some Indian pharma companies facing issues abroad. R&D investment must go hand-in-hand with strict quality standards. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
14% growth in pharma exports is impressive! But we need more homegrown innovations instead of just generics. China is ahead in API manufacturing - we should learn from them while maintaining our quality edge.
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Sarah B
As someone working in healthcare, I'm concerned about the US tariffs. 40% exports going there is huge! Government should negotiate better trade deals and diversify to other markets like Africa and Latin America too.
V
Vikram M
Good meeting but implementation is key. Our pharma companies need tax benefits for R&D like Western countries give. Also, why only big players in meeting? Small manufacturers need support too for Make in India success.
K
Kavya N
Hope they discuss affordable cancer drugs! My mother's treatment costs are skyrocketing. India makes medicines for the world but our own people struggle to afford them. Government should cap essential drug prices.

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