India's Commerce Secretary Urges Pharma Sector to Reduce Import Dependence
Work on reducing import dependence for raw materials: Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal to pharma industry
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has urged the Indian pharmaceutical industry to lessen its reliance on imported raw materials and enhance domestic production. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance and innovation to position India as a global hub for pharmaceuticals amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
- 01Pharmaceutical industry urged to reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
- 02Goal to meet 80-90% of domestic needs through local production.
- 03India aims to strengthen its position as a global hub for pharmaceuticals.
- 04Pharma exports reached $30.47 billion in 2024-25, a 9.4% increase.
- 05Focus on innovation and quality is essential for future growth.
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During an event in Hyderabad, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasized the need for the Indian pharmaceutical industry to reduce its dependence on critical imported raw materials. He urged the sector to aim for 80-90% self-sufficiency in meeting domestic pharmaceutical requirements through indigenous production. Agrawal highlighted the importance of positioning India as a global hub for quality and cost-effective pharmaceuticals, which requires a robust quality ecosystem to build global trust. He called for a shift from a volume-driven to a value-driven industry, advocating for increased innovation and participation in developing new patents. The Indian pharmaceutical sector is currently the third-largest producer globally by volume, with exports reaching $30.47 billion in 2024-25, reflecting a 9.4% growth over the previous year. During the first eleven months of 2025-26, exports stood at $28.29 billion, marking over 5% growth compared to the same period last year.
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Reducing import dependence can enhance the resilience of the Indian pharmaceutical sector, potentially leading to lower costs and increased job opportunities in domestic manufacturing.
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