India Pharma 2026 event: Nadda lays out road map for India to take global pharma leadership role

India is well placed to assume a leadership role in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape which is increasingly shifting towards biologics, biosimilars and specialty medicines, Union Minister J P Nadda said on April 13, underlining the need for stronger research capabilities, higher investments and greater industry participation.

In a video address at the India Pharma 2026 event, Nadda, who holds the portfolios of Chemicals & Fertilisers as well as Health & Family Welfare, highlighted that India has built a global reputation as the “pharmacy of the world”, largely due to its dominance in affordable generic medicines.

He noted that the pharmaceutical landscape worldwide is undergoing rapid transformation, with growing focus on complex therapies such as biologics and biosimilars. In this context, India is not only equipped to adapt to these changes but is also in a strong position to emerge as a global leader in these advanced segments.


The minister emphasised that the government remains committed to putting in place a policy ecosystem that fosters innovation, enhances research capabilities and encourages value-driven growth in the sector.

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Looking ahead, he stressed that bolstering research and development would be critical for the industry’s next phase of growth. Higher capital infusion, deeper engagement from industry stakeholders and robust public-private partnerships will be essential to help India move towards high-value innovation-led pharmaceutical development.

It may be noted here that the government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s position in the global pharmaceutical market. These include the recently announced Biopharma SHAKTI programme, which has an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore spread over five years.

Nadda also pointed out that boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities continues to remain a priority. Measures such as the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, initiatives for bulk drug production and the establishment of bulk drug parks are aimed at enhancing self-reliance and building resilient supply chains within the country.

At the event, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers and Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said that the global environment is placing increasing pressure on the generics-driven model that has traditionally defined India’s pharmaceutical industry. She called on domestic drug manufacturers to step up investments in biosimilars, biologics and innovative drug development.

Patel affirmed that the government is extending full support to the industry as it navigates this transition. She indicated that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is set to undergo restructuring, alongside the creation of a new scientific review workforce.

More than 1,500 domain experts are expected to be recruited as part of this effort, she said.

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In addition, the government plans to establish a network of 1,000 clinical trial sites across the country, Patel informed. There is also a strong push towards integrating artificial intelligence into drug discovery and development processes, she added.

These measures, Patel said, are aimed at positioning India as a preferred global hub for both drug discovery and drug development.


With PTI inputs