India's Commerce Secretary Urges Pharma Sector to Boost Domestic Production
Comm secy asks pharma sector to cut dependence on imported raw materials
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal has urged the Indian pharmaceutical industry to reduce reliance on imported raw materials by achieving 80-90% self-sufficiency through domestic production. He highlighted the need for quality and innovation to strengthen India's position as a global pharmaceutical hub amid geopolitical uncertainties.
- 01Rajesh Agrawal emphasizes reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
- 02India should meet 80-90% of its pharmaceutical needs through domestic production.
- 03Pharma exports increased by 5% year-on-year, reaching $28.29 billion.
- 04Focus on quality and innovation is crucial for global competitiveness.
- 05India aims to reposition itself as a hub for cost-effective pharmaceuticals.
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During an event in Hyderabad, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal urged the Indian pharmaceutical sector to significantly reduce its reliance on imported raw materials by achieving 80-90% self-sufficiency through indigenous production. He pointed out that despite India's status as the third-largest producer of pharmaceuticals globally by volume, there is ample room for growth and resilience. Agrawal stressed the importance of insulating supply chains in a geopolitically fragmented world, advocating for a strategic repositioning of India as a global hub for both quality and cost-effective pharmaceuticals. He noted that the country's pharmaceutical exports rose 5% year-on-year to $28.29 billion during April-February FY26. Agrawal also called for the development of a robust quality ecosystem to enhance global trust and emphasized the need for innovation, including participation in developing new patents, while maintaining strength in generics.
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This shift towards self-reliance in pharmaceutical production can lead to job creation and stability in the sector, reducing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
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