India’s pharma powerhouse gathers momentum as exports surge 9.4pc

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 17, 2025

India’s pharmaceutical sector has reinforced its standing as a global healthcare mainstay, with exports rising by a robust 9.4 per cent to USD 30.47 billion in 2024–25, underscoring the country’s strength as a trusted supplier of quality-assured and affordable medicines. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said Indian pharmaceutical products are globally recognised, driven by a resilient manufacturing ecosystem and expanding international outreach, while inaugurating a one-day Regional Chintan Shivir on Pharmaceutical Exports.

Highlighting the scale and growth potential of the industry, Agrawal said India’s domestic pharmaceutical market, currently valued at around USD 60 billion, is expected to more than double to nearly USD 130 billion by 2030. Speaking through a video address from Chandigarh, he emphasised that the sector’s depth, innovation capability and regulatory maturity position it for sustained global expansion.

Organised by the Department of Commerce in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (PHARMEXCIL), the programme brought together policymakers, regulators, exporters, MSMEs, Indian missions abroad and technical experts to chart the next phase of India’s pharmaceutical export journey. The Commerce Secretary noted that India is the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and fourteenth by value, supported by over 3,000 companies, 10,500 manufacturing units and more than 60,000 generic brands spanning 60 therapeutic areas.

Indian medicines today reach over 200 markets, with more than 60 per cent of exports destined for stringent regulatory jurisdictions. The United States accounts for about 34 per cent of exports, while Europe contributes nearly 19 per cent, reflecting strong global confidence in India’s quality standards and supply reliability. These strengths, he said, provide a solid platform for accelerating export growth in the coming years.

Discussions at the Chintan Shivir focused on equipping exporters, particularly MSMEs, to navigate India’s evolving trade architecture and regulatory landscape. Key themes included addressing non-tariff barriers, expanding regulatory cooperation and mutual recognition frameworks for faster approvals, and nurturing a vibrant life sciences innovation ecosystem encompassing R&D, clinical trials, biologics, vaccines and biosimilars.

Participants were also briefed on recent trade agreements, including the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement signed in July 2025 and the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement effective from October 2025. The binding zero-tariff provisions under these pacts were highlighted as major enablers for enhancing the competitiveness of Indian generics, alongside the investment and employment opportunities they unlock. The programme further spotlighted upcoming India–Switzerland collaborations aimed at linking Swiss biotech clusters with Indian innovation hubs.

Technical sessions addressed critical areas such as antimicrobial resistance, skilled manpower development, changes in the Foreign Trade Policy, the evolving GST framework and the implementation of revised Good Manufacturing Practices. Experts from premier institutions and regulatory bodies shared insights on regulatory preparedness, quality systems, workforce capability and digital compliance, while PHARMEXCIL outlined its export promotion initiatives, including the iPHEX international exhibition planned for 2026.

The conclave ended with an interactive discussion on the rollout of the revised GMP framework, reaffirming the government’s commitment to regulatory strengthening, trade facilitation and close industry partnership as India seeks to expand its footprint in global pharmaceutical trade and advance access to affordable healthcare worldwide.