The government has proposed the Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) initiative in the Union Budget 2026-27 to position India as a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The scheme will be implemented with a total outlay of ₹10,000 crore over five years, aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in biologics and biosimilars.
Focus on Building a Strong Biopharma Ecosystem
The initiative seeks to:
- Boost domestic production of biologics and biosimilars
- Strengthen research, innovation and manufacturing infrastructure
- Reduce import dependence
- Enhance India’s competitiveness in global pharmaceutical markets
India’s Pharma Industry: A Global Leader
India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to be a major global force:
- 3rd largest globally by volume
- 11th by value
- Over 3,000 companies and 10,500 manufacturing units
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26:
- Annual turnover reached ₹4.72 lakh crore in FY25
- Exports grew at a 7% CAGR over the past decade
Leading Supplier of Generic Medicines
India remains the largest global supplier of generic medicines, accounting for:
- Around 20% of global supply
- Production of nearly 60,000 generic brands
- Coverage across 60 therapeutic categories
Strengthening Future Growth in Biopharma
The Biopharma SHAKTI initiative is expected to:
- Drive innovation in advanced therapies
- Expand manufacturing of high-value biologics
- Support startups and MSMEs in biotech
- Strengthen India’s position in global healthcare supply chains
Towards a Global Biopharma Hub
With strong policy support and growing capabilities, India is poised to emerge as a leading global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, contributing to healthcare innovation and economic growth.
