India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in the rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical sector, with the government committed to strengthening innovation, manufacturing, clinical research, and regulatory capabilities, said Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers.

Speaking at the 2nd Pharma Summit & Awards 2026 organized by ASSOCHAM in New Delhi, the Minister said the government's Biopharma SHAKTI initiative envisages the launch of 100 biologics by 2047, contributing directly to the goals of Viksit Bharat and Swasth Bharat.

“Biopharmaceuticals are shaping the future of modern healthcare and India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in this transformative sector. The Government of India is committed to strengthening innovation, manufacturing, clinical research, and regulatory capabilities to make India a leading global biopharmaceutical hub,” Patel said.

She noted that the government has created strong policy and funding pathways across the pharmaceutical value chain to accelerate innovation and commercialization.

Highlighting future growth opportunities, Patel said biologics are expected to account for nearly 40 per cent of prescription medicines globally by 2031, making it imperative for India to strengthen its capabilities in next-generation biologics while building on its established leadership in affordable generic medicines.

The Minister also emphasized the growing significance of advanced therapies and pointed to initiatives such as the PRIP Scheme and the National Biopharma Mission, which are helping create a robust ecosystem for innovation, research, and manufacturing.

She added that industrial and manufacturing innovation is being supported through various initiatives of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, including the Biotech Ignition Grant (BIG), Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI), and Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP).

“These programmes are providing a strong boost to innovation,” Patel said, while urging industry stakeholders to collaborate in positioning India as a global hub for novel biologics, while simultaneously reinforcing its leadership in small molecules and affordable medicines.

Addressing the summit, Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, highlighted the need to strengthen innovation, accelerate drug discovery, support emerging biopharma capabilities, and enhance supply chain resilience.

He underscored the transformative potential of the biopharmaceutical industry and emphasized the strategic importance of the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative in establishing India as a leading destination for the development and manufacturing of high-value biologics and biosimilars.

Joshi noted that the initiative is expected to strengthen research and innovation, expand clinical research infrastructure, develop a skilled workforce, and enhance India’s competitiveness across the global biopharmaceutical value chain.

During the event, Union Minister Anupriya Patel also presented the Pharma Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements across the pharmaceutical industry.