India Eyes Global Leadership in Biopharmaceutical Innovation

Patel noted that biologics are projected to account for nearly 40 percent of global prescription drugs by 2031.

India is strengthening its ambitions to become a global powerhouse in biopharmaceuticals, with the government placing renewed focus on innovation, research, manufacturing and advanced healthcare technologies that can drive the next phase of growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

Speaking at the 2nd Pharma Summit & Awards 2026 organized by ASSOCHAM in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel said India is well-positioned to play a leading role in the rapidly expanding global biopharmaceutical industry. She emphasized that the government's efforts are focused on building a strong ecosystem that supports scientific innovation, clinical research, manufacturing excellence and regulatory capacity, helping the country emerge as a major hub for advanced medicines.

Biopharma SHAKTI Targets 100 Biologics by 2047

A key pillar of this vision is the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative, which aims to facilitate the development of 100 biologics by 2047. The programme is expected to contribute significantly to the broader goals of Viksit Bharat and Swasth Bharat, while strengthening India's presence in high-value pharmaceutical markets.

Patel noted that biologics are projected to account for nearly 40 percent of global prescription drugs by 2031. This shift presents a major opportunity for India to expand beyond its established strength in affordable generic medicines and become a leader in next-generation biologics and biosimilars.

The Minister said the government has already created funding mechanisms and policy support across the pharmaceutical value chain to encourage innovation and accelerate product development.

Focus on Research, Innovation and Advanced Therapies

The government is also supporting the growth of advanced therapies through initiatives such as the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme and the National Biopharma Mission.

Additional support is being provided through Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) programmes, including the Biotech Ignition Grant, Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI) and the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP).

According to Patel, these initiatives are helping create an environment where research institutions, startups and pharmaceutical companies can collaborate more effectively to develop innovative healthcare solutions. She encouraged industry stakeholders to work together to strengthen India's position in novel biologics while maintaining its leadership in small-molecule drugs and affordable medicines.

Building a Competitive Global Biopharma Ecosystem

Department of Pharmaceuticals Secretary Manoj Joshi highlighted the need to accelerate drug discovery, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand India's capabilities in emerging biopharmaceutical technologies. He said the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative will support the development and manufacturing of high-value biologics and biosimilars while expanding clinical research infrastructure and creating a skilled workforce for the future. The event also featured the presentation of Pharma Excellence Awards by Anupriya Patel, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions across the pharmaceutical sector.

With global demand for biologics growing rapidly, India's expanding focus on innovation, research and manufacturing is expected to play a key role in positioning the country as a leading force in the global biopharmaceutical industry.