NEW DELHI: Outlining a roadmap centred on innovation, regulatory reforms and expanded global market access, the Chintan Shivir on the pharmaceutical sector has called for positioning India as a global benchmark for quality and reliability in drug manufacturing.
The Shivir, organised by the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India with support from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, concluded in Hyderabad, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and experts. The deliberations were part of an ongoing series, following earlier editions in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, aimed at strengthening India’s pharmaceutical export strategy amid global uncertainties.
The key outlines emerging from the discussions included a shift towards high-value segments such as biologics and biosimilars, greater adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence in regulatory processes, and improved utilisation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access. Participants also emphasised the need for modernising regulatory frameworks, reducing procedural bottlenecks and strengthening export promotion mechanisms.
The inaugural session, chaired by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, underscored the importance of policy continuity and ecosystem strengthening to sustain India’s export momentum.
“In a rapidly evolving and geopolitically dynamic global environment, India’s pharmaceutical industry is uniquely positioned to strengthen its global leadership by deepening collaboration with the government and progressively reducing supply chain dependencies. Building on its strong foundation of cost competitiveness, the next phase of growth lies in elevating India’s position as a trusted global benchmark for quality and reliability. By continuously strengthening the ecosystem and staying aligned with global advancements, the industry is well on track to transition towards high-value segments such as biologics and biosimilars. As India moves beyond its generic’s legacy, it has a significant opportunity to lead the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation, reinforcing its role as a resilient, future-ready, and globally influential healthcare powerhouse. Chintan Shivirs have traditionally been convened by our Prime Minister to deliberate on India’s pathway to progress and long-term national priorities. Inspired by this vision, we have adopted the same concept within the pharmaceutical industry, recognising the pivotal role the sector plays in advancing India’s growth story,” he said.
Industry representatives pointed to the resilience of the sector despite supply chain disruptions and geopolitical challenges.
“Despite current challenges such as supply chain stress and the geopolitical disruptions, India’s export sector remains resilient, with positive growth trends. The Pharmexcil Chintan Shivir provided a platform for focused, forward-looking dialogues, where we deliberated on the roadmap for the coming years.
“The event outlined a strategic vision for the pharmaceutical sector, emphasizing value creation through innovation and enhanced market access via Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). With ongoing policy support and a forward-looking approach, we are confident in achieving a successful conclusion to the financial year,” said Mr. Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmexcil.
Providing an overview of sectoral performance, Mr. Raja Bhanu, Director General, Pharmexcil, said: “Indian pharmaceutical exports reached nearly USD 28.29 billion by February this financial year, growing 5.6% compared to last year. The sector, valued at approximately USD 60 billion, is projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030. Despite global challenges, pharmaceutical exports have maintained strong momentum, with a 5.6% growth during April–February FY26.”
The sessions also examined the role of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade in facilitating exports and aligning domestic standards with global benchmarks. Stakeholders stressed that sustained collaboration between government and industry would be critical to achieving ambitious export targets.
The Shivir further provided updates on IPHEX 2026, a flagship platform aimed at showcasing India’s pharmaceutical capabilities and fostering global partnerships.
Participants said the deliberations would help shape policy direction and industry strategy, enabling India to strengthen its position in global pharmaceutical markets in the years ahead.
