India eyes biopharma leadership with ₹10,000 crore mission, says Anupriya Patel

India is rapidly consolidating its position as a global pharmaceutical manufacturing hub while preparing to lead the next phase of biopharmaceutical innovation, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, said on Thursday.

Addressing ASSOCHAM's Pharma Summit & Awards 2026, Patel said India's push towards self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology is both a strategic and economic imperative amid growing concerns over healthcare supply chains and dependence on imports.

She highlighted the role of the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes in boosting domestic manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and critical drugs, stating that India has significantly expanded its production capabilities and reduced import dependence across key pharmaceutical inputs.

Patel described biopharmaceuticals as India's next major growth frontier and pointed to the recently announced ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti Mission as a key pillar of the country's long-term healthcare strategy.

"The future of pharma will belong to those who innovate, collaborate and build for the world, and India is ready to lead," she said.

According to the minister, the mission aims to facilitate the development of at least 100 biologics by 2047, helping position India as a global centre for next-generation healthcare innovation while strengthening its established leadership in affordable generic medicines.

She called for closer collaboration among government, industry, academia, startups, investors, regulators and healthcare institutions to strengthen research, manufacturing capabilities, supply chains and global quality standards.

Speaking at the event, Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, said the Indian pharmaceutical industry is entering a new growth phase driven by innovation, quality, regulatory excellence and global competitiveness.

"India's pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase of growth driven by innovation, quality, regulatory excellence and global competitiveness. As the sector moves towards complex biologics, advanced therapies and high-value products, strengthening research capabilities, manufacturing excellence and resilient supply chains will be critical to positioning India as a preferred global pharmaceutical and healthcare partner," Joshi said.

Industry representatives also stressed the need to build a future-ready pharmaceutical ecosystem focused on innovation and regulatory modernization.

Anil K. Agarwal, Past President of ASSOCHAM, said India stands at a defining moment where innovation, regulatory excellence and collaborative partnerships can elevate the country into a global leader in advanced healthcare solutions.

The summit, themed "Next-Gen Pharma: Building Future-Ready Value Chain," brought together policymakers, industry executives, academics and healthcare experts to discuss strategies for strengthening India's pharmaceutical ecosystem and aligning it with the country's broader development goals for 2047.

During the event, ASSOCHAM released a knowledge paper titled "Next-Gen Pharma: Building Future-Ready Value Chain," which outlines a roadmap for strengthening the sector through innovation, advanced therapies, digital transformation, resilient supply chains and regulatory reforms.