Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has highlighted India’s transformation into a robust pharmaceutical economy with strong potential to drive future global growth. Speaking at a high-level industry event, he emphasized the sector’s impressive progress in API self-reliance, vaccine leadership, biotech innovation, and exports, while outlining government support through PLI schemes, research incentives, and regulatory reforms to sustain this momentum.
Glimpse:
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that India now ranks among the world’s top pharma producers, with significant achievements in reducing API import dependence, scaling vaccine manufacturing, and expanding biotechnology capabilities. He pointed to the success of the PLI scheme, increased R&D investments, and growing exports as key drivers. The Minister assured continued policy support, including faster approvals, funding for innovation, and encouragement for domestic manufacturing of complex generics, biosimilars, and advanced therapies to position India as a global pharma powerhouse in the coming decade.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has described India as an emerging robust pharmaceutical economy with strong fundamentals to lead future global growth in the sector. Addressing a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers on February 27, 2026, the Minister highlighted the remarkable journey of Indian pharma from being largely import-dependent for critical APIs a few years ago to achieving substantial self-reliance today. He credited the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, focused R&D investments, and regulatory streamlining for enabling domestic production of key starting materials, intermediates, and finished dosage forms at scale.
Dr. Singh pointed out that India now ranks among the top global suppliers of generic medicines and vaccines, supplying over 60% of the world’s vaccines and a significant share of affordable generics to low- and middle-income countries. The country has also made rapid strides in biotechnology, with growing capabilities in biosimilars, gene therapies, and advanced medicinal products. He noted that Indian companies are increasingly moving up the value chain from simple generics to complex molecules, novel drug delivery systems, and innovative therapies supported by a strong ecosystem of research institutions, skilled talent, and manufacturing infrastructure.
The Minister emphasized that the government remains fully committed to sustaining this momentum through continued policy support. Key measures include further expansion of the PLI scheme, faster regulatory approvals via CDSCO, increased funding for R&D under schemes like BIRAC and the National Biopharma Mission, and creation of dedicated pharma parks and innovation hubs. He also stressed the importance of quality and compliance, urging industry to maintain global standards to protect India’s reputation as a reliable supplier. Dr. Singh expressed confidence that with these enablers, the Indian pharma sector could double its contribution to the economy and significantly increase its share in high-value segments like biologics and precision medicine in the coming years.
The address was well-received by industry participants, who appreciated the Minister’s recognition of the sector’s achievements and the government’s proactive stance. The event also featured discussions on emerging opportunities in digital health, AI-driven drug discovery, and sustainable manufacturing practices, reinforcing India’s ambition to become not just the “pharmacy of the world” but also a leader in innovation-driven healthcare solutions.
“India is no longer just the pharmacy of the world we are rapidly emerging as a robust pharmaceutical economy with innovation at its core. With continued government support and industry excellence, we are well-positioned to drive the next wave of global healthcare growth.”
By
HB Team
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