India’s pharmaceutical exports have crossed the $30 billion milestone, prompting policymakers and industry leaders to outline an ambitious roadmap for sustained, double-digit growth in the coming years.
At an industry interaction held in Ahmedabad under the Chintan Shivir series, government officials, regulators and exporters convened to deliberate on the theme “Scaling up Pharma Exports,” reinforcing the Centre’s focus on strengthening India’s position as a trusted global supplier of affordable, high-quality medicines.
Exports Up 9.4%, Sector Targets Accelerated Growth
India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at $30.47 billion in FY 2024–25, registering a 9.4% increase over the previous year. The sector, currently valued at approximately $60 billion, is projected to more than double to $130 billion by 2030.
India ranks third globally in pharmaceutical production by volume and exports medicines to over 200 countries. More than 60% of outbound shipments are directed toward highly regulated markets. The United States accounts for 34% of India’s pharma exports, while Europe contributes 19%.
Industry representatives indicated readiness to target double-digit export growth in 2026–27, provided regulatory processes are streamlined and market access conditions improve further.
Policy Push and Regulatory Alignment
The interaction saw participation from the Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and state drug regulators, alongside nearly 200 exporters, predominantly from western India.
Discussions centred on improving regulatory coordination, accelerating approvals in stringent markets, and easing compliance burdens for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which often face documentation and inspection challenges.
The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening engagement with exporters and ensuring quicker resolution of issues through Indian Missions abroad and regulatory cooperation frameworks.
Biopharma SHAKTI to Anchor Next Phase
A key highlight of the discussions was the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI initiative announced in the Union Budget 2026–27. The five-year programme aims to strengthen India’s domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars, reduce import dependence, and position the country to capture 5% of the global biopharmaceutical market.
The initiative includes plans to establish three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), upgrade seven existing ones, develop over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, and enhance CDSCO capacity through the induction of specialised scientific and technical personnel.
These measures are expected to accelerate the evaluation of complex products, enhance regulatory confidence and support India’s shift from volume-led exports to higher-value, innovation-driven segments.
Expanding Global Market Access
Participants also examined emerging opportunities arising from trade engagements with the European Union and the United States. Closer economic arrangements with these regions , together representing some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical markets, could offer clearer pathways for market access and steadier demand for Indian manufacturers.
The discussions underscored a broader transition underway in India’s pharmaceutical industry: from being viewed primarily as a cost-efficient supplier to becoming a trusted global partner delivering quality, compliance and innovation.