India's Commerce Secretary Urges Pharma Sector to Boost Self-Reliance and Reduce Imports

Q: What is the target for self-reliance in the pharmaceutical sector?

The target is to meet **80-90%** of domestic pharmaceutical requirements through indigenous production.

Q: How much did India's pharmaceutical exports grow in 2024-25?

Pharmaceutical exports grew by **9.4%**, reaching **$30.47 billion**.

Original: Comm Secy asks pharma sector to reduce dependence on imported raw materials

Business Standard•Apr 4, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has called on India's pharmaceutical industry to decrease reliance on imported raw materials and enhance domestic production. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, aiming for 80-90% of domestic needs to be met through local manufacturing, while also transitioning towards innovation and quality.

Key Points

01Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal urges the pharma sector to reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
02India aims for 80-90% self-reliance in meeting domestic pharmaceutical needs.
03Pharma exports reached $30.47 billion in 2024-25, showing 9.4% growth.
04The sector is encouraged to focus on innovation and quality to enhance global competitiveness.
05India is the third-largest producer of pharmaceuticals by volume and 14th by value.

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Full Summary

During an event in Hyderabad, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasized the need for the Indian pharmaceutical industry to reduce its dependence on imported raw materials. He highlighted the goal of achieving 80-90% self-reliance in domestic pharmaceutical production, particularly in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and bulk drugs. Agrawal pointed out that while India exports to around 200 countries, there is significant potential for growth and resilience in the sector. He stressed the importance of quality in healthcare and called for a robust quality ecosystem to build global trust. The pharmaceutical sector's exports reached $30.47 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a 9.4% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, he encouraged a shift from a volume-driven approach to a value-driven one, focusing on innovation and the development of new patents alongside generics.

Key Figures

$30.47 billion

Pharmaceutical exports in 2024-25

9.4%

Growth rate of pharmaceutical exports over the previous year

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Why It Matters

Reducing reliance on imports could lead to more stable prices and availability of pharmaceuticals for Indian consumers. Increased domestic production may also create jobs in the sector.

Who is affected

Consumers of pharmaceuticals, local manufacturers, and healthcare providers.

What to know

Pharmaceutical companies should invest in local production capabilities and innovation to align with government directives.

FAQ

The target is to meet 80-90% of domestic pharmaceutical requirements through indigenous production.

Pharmaceutical exports grew by 9.4%, reaching $30.47 billion.

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