In a landmark move for the life sciences sector, India has unveiled Biopharma SHAKTI, a strategic roadmap backed by a $1.1bn financial investment over the next five years. Shorthand for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation, the programme aims to progress India from its traditional role as a pharmaceutical generics producer into a global powerhouse for high-value biologics and biosimilars. The SHAKTI initiative targets an ambitious 5% share of the global biopharmaceutical market and is fuelled by the country’s shifting disease burden toward chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders where advanced biologic therapies are essential.
Strengthening the biopharma ecosystem
The government’s strategy to support industrial expansion involves a significant upgrade to the nation’s academic infrastructure by establishing three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research and modernising seven existing ones. Furthermore, to accelerate drug development, the government plans to create a network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites across the nation. This expansion is designed to help companies validate complex medicines faster and secures India’s spot as a leader in global research.
Industry perspectives and global innovation
Industry leaders have hailed the announcement as a turning point that aligns with the vision of a more developed nation. Satish Reddy, Chairman, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, told the India Times that the initiative marks a decisive investment in India’s health, stating: “The $1.1bn Biopharma SHAKTI programme is a key enabler for India’s journey from volume to value leadership, helping the country move from being a global supplier of quality medicines to becoming a global innovator.”
Regulatory reforms and future outlook
Complementing these infrastructure gains, the budget also focuses on regulatory efficiency by strengthening the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. The government is hiring specialised scientists and syncing approval timelines with international benchmarks to fast-track the launch of complex drugs. As Dr Raj Shirumalla, Director, National Biopharma Mission, emphasises: “India has the capability and the will to make a mark in the $1.1tn global pharma industry.” Together with recent policies like BioE3 and the Bio-RIDE scheme, Biopharma SHAKTI provides the final push needed for India to emerge as a dominant force in the global biotechnology landscape.
