New Delhi, Sep 7: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for a stronger focus on research, innovation and advanced drug development as India looks to take its pharmaceutical industry to the next level.
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Addressing the Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 in New Delhi, Goyal said India’s success in generic medicines has established it as a major global pharmaceutical supplier, but the industry now needs to expand into new areas such as original drug research, biosimilars and biotechnology.
He stressed that Indian pharmaceutical companies need to increase spending on research and development and make greater use of initiatives designed to support innovation. Developing new molecules and creating home-grown intellectual property, he said, should become an important part of the sector’s future growth.
The shift could help Indian companies move up the value chain. While generic medicines will remain an important strength, greater investment in drug discovery, clinical research and biotechnology could open opportunities in high-value medicines and advanced therapies.
Goyal also highlighted the need to make India’s healthcare supply chains more resilient. Reducing excessive dependence on limited overseas sources for critical pharmaceutical inputs such as active ingredients and key starting materials would help protect the industry from global disruptions and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
The government is also working to expand infrastructure for the sector, including bulk drug parks and new industrial parks where dedicated facilities for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies can be developed.
The focus on innovation comes at a time when global pharmaceutical competition is increasingly moving beyond manufacturing capacity. Countries are competing to attract investment in drug research, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and healthcare technology. For India, building stronger capabilities in these areas could attract more global investment, create skilled employment and improve its position in international healthcare supply chains.
Goyal also called for greater scientific validation of traditional medicine and Ayurvedic products so that India can move from exporting raw herbs to developing and marketing value-added healthcare products globally.
India’s pharmaceutical industry has built a strong global reputation for affordable medicines. The next phase of growth will depend on greater investment in research, new drug development and biotechnology. A stronger focus on innovation can help Indian companies compete globally, attract investment and create new opportunities for researchers, startups and skilled professionals.