By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : August 03, 2026 4:55 pm
Recommendations were made at MTaI's closed-door roundtable organised as part of the association's 10th anniversary that brought together policymakers, diplomatic representatives from various embassies, along with trade experts and MedTech industry leaders
The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) has called for closer alignment between India's Free Trade Agreement (FTA) framework and domestic policies governing regulation, procurement, investment and workforce mobility to ensure that expanding trade partnerships translate into stronger healthcare outcomes and faster patient access to advanced medical technologies.
The recommendations were made at MTaI's closed-door roundtable, "FTA Frameworks in an Evolving Global Order: Shaping the Healthcare Roadmap," organised as part of the association's 10th anniversary celebrations.
The event brought together policymakers, diplomatic representatives from the embassies of Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, Luxembourg and Sri Lanka, along with trade experts and MedTech industry leaders.
Pavan Choudary, Chairman, MTaI, said, "The benefits of trade agreements will depend on four priorities: effective implementation of tariff provisions, removal of non-tariff barriers, mobility of services and skilled professionals, and stronger institutional support and investment protection.”
“Since its inception, MTaI has consistently advocated that India should not only Make in India, but also Design in India, Heal in India, Train in India and Test in India, and this coheres with the evolving FTA scenario,” added Choudary.
The discussions focused on translating India's expanding FTA network into a more competitive MedTech ecosystem by complementing trade liberalisation with timely customs notifications, simpler rules of origin, consistent product classification, greater regulatory cooperation and predictable implementation of trade commitments.
Participants also stressed that tariff reductions alone would not improve market access without faster regulatory approvals and stronger coordination between regulatory authorities.
Dr. Gyanendra Nath Singh, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and former Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), highlighted the need for a science-based regulatory ecosystem. He said, "India has already put in place provisions for the fast-track approval of innovative medical technologies.”
“Going forward, industry proposals must remain ethical, science-led and evidence-based. Our objective is to build an ecosystem that reduces costs, improves quality and simplifies regulatory processes, enabling India to emerge as a global hub for medical-device manufacturing and supply,” Dr Singh added.
Jitendra Sharma, CEO, Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), said, "Building a resilient component supply chain is as important as signing an FTA. India must also strengthen support for international regulatory certification, create more agile regulatory pathways and improve export readiness to help Indian companies compete globally.
“Ultimately, the success of an FTA should be measured not only by trade, but by the investments, joint ventures and long-term partnerships it creates,” added Sharma.
Sanjay Bhutani, Director, MTaI and CEO, Bausch + Lomb India, said, "Signing an FTA is only the beginning; its true value lies in timely and effective implementation. The often-encountered post-signature delays can dilute the intended benefits, while countries that move swiftly are better positioned to attract investment and strengthen trade partnerships.”
“Faster approval pathways, greater regulatory efficiency and predictable implementation will enable companies to plan with confidence, accelerate access to innovation and ensure that the benefits of trade agreements reach patients sooner,” added Bhutani.
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of strengthening India's medical device component supply chain, enhancing international regulatory certification, improving export readiness and facilitating the mobility of engineers, technicians and healthcare professionals involved in the installation, servicing and clinical use of advanced medical technologies.
Participants noted that MTaI member companies collectively train nearly 250,000 healthcare professionals annually, underscoring the industry's contribution to capacity building in India's healthcare ecosystem.