Union Budget 2026’s ‘Biopharma Shakti’ initiative marks a transformative Rs 10,000-crore investment, empowering India to slash China dependency in biologics and seize the $250 billion ‘patent cliff’ opportunity by 2030. Spearheaded by Niti Aayog’s High-Level Committee, this visionary plan positions India as a self-reliant hub for biosimilars and emerging biologics, targeting blockbuster drugs like Keytruda, Ozempic, and Mounjaro as patents expire.
Tackling Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
India, already the world’s top generic medicine exporter and third-largest API producer, will build domestic capacity for fermentation-based precursors like nucleotides and amino acids—currently China-reliant—to combat diseases from cancer to diabetes. Through equity support, incentives for bulk drugs, and import substitution, the scheme fosters ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in cutting-edge pharma.
Regulatory Overhaul for Speed and Innovation
Streamlining approvals from 900 days to China-like 500 days via a Scientific Review Cadre, specialist CDSCO core, and 555+ guidance documents will supercharge R&D competitiveness. Boosting NIPERs for biopharma PhDs, expanding clinical trials, and funding startups will attract global patents, mirroring China’s success where 58% filings are foreign.
Global Powerhouse Potential
This holistic push—from early innovation grants to manufacturing incentives—catapults Indian firms into oncology, immunology, and chronic care arenas, outpacing rivals and securing affordable drugs for billions. Under PM Modi’s leadership, Biopharma Shakti heralds India’s ascent as a biopharma superpower.
