India has strengthened its position as the “pharmacy of the world,” with the country now supplying nearly 30% of the world’s generic medicines, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said while highlighting the nation’s growing contribution to affordable healthcare worldwide.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the India Pharma event in New Delhi, Patel said India’s pharmaceutical sector has emerged as a key pillar of global healthcare by ensuring the availability of high-quality, cost-effective medicines across developed and developing nations. She noted that the country’s pharmaceutical industry continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its reputation for producing affordable generic drugs.
The minister emphasized that India is transitioning from being primarily a global leader in generic medicines to becoming an emerging hub for biopharmaceutical innovation. According to her, government initiatives aimed at strengthening research, manufacturing capabilities, and regulatory standards are helping the country move up the pharmaceutical value chain.
India’s pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in ensuring access to essential medicines across the globe. The country’s generic drug manufacturers supply medicines to more than 200 countries and are among the largest providers of affordable pharmaceuticals to regulated markets, including the United States and Europe. This strong manufacturing base has earned India worldwide recognition for supporting healthcare systems with quality medicines at competitive prices.
Patel also highlighted the importance of continued investment in innovation, quality assurance, and advanced manufacturing technologies to sustain India’s leadership in the global pharmaceutical sector. She said collaborative efforts between the government, industry, academia, and research institutions would be crucial in enhancing India’s competitiveness in emerging areas such as biologics, biosimilars, and advanced therapeutics.
Experts believe the country’s growing pharmaceutical exports and expanding manufacturing capacity will further strengthen its role in global health security, ensuring uninterrupted access to affordable medicines while contributing to economic growth and innovation in the healthcare sector.
