New Delhi, April 14: India’s pharmaceutical sector is transitioning from a global supplier of generic medicines to an innovation-driven industry, with increased emphasis on research and advanced drug development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.
Referring to the sector’s evolving trajectory, Modi stated that India is moving beyond its long-standing identity as the “pharmacy of the world” and positioning itself as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation. The remarks were made while sharing an article authored by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, which outlines the policy direction and growth strategy shaping the industry.
The Prime Minister noted that the government has focused on strengthening research and development capabilities, alongside promoting biologics, biosimilars, and next-generation therapies. He stated that these segments are central to the sector’s advancement and reflect a shift towards higher-value pharmaceutical production.
The article shared by the Prime Minister highlights how India’s pharmaceutical industry is gradually moving up the value chain, supported by policy initiatives and sustained institutional focus. It outlines a transition from large-scale manufacturing of affordable medicines to increased investment in innovation-led growth.
According to the article, government efforts have aimed at building an ecosystem that encourages research-intensive activities and supports the development of complex therapies. The focus includes expanding capabilities in biologics and biosimilars, which are expected to play a significant role in the future of global healthcare markets.
India’s pharmaceutical sector has historically been recognised for its role in producing generic medicines at scale, supplying affordable drugs to multiple countries. The current shift, as outlined in the article, reflects a strategic move to complement this strength with advanced research and innovation capabilities.
The Prime Minister described the article as a reflection on the sector’s progress and its readiness to compete in the global pharmaceutical landscape. He indicated that India is preparing to take on a larger role in the international market by focusing on innovation and technological advancement.
The article also emphasises that sustained government support has been instrumental in reshaping the sector’s direction, enabling it to adapt to changing global demands. It points to a growing emphasis on research-driven growth as a key factor in enhancing competitiveness.
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, in the article, stated that India’s pharmaceutical industry is entering a new phase of development, shifting focus from scale to innovation. The approach, he noted, aims to strengthen the country’s position in emerging areas of drug development and healthcare solutions.
The developments indicate a broader transformation within the pharmaceutical sector, with increased alignment towards global trends in innovation, research, and advanced therapeutics.
