Politics · India Bureau
India pharma sector must pivot to innovation to hit $130bn target
Industry leaders say India's pharmaceutical sector needs to shift focus from cost-competitive generics to research and innovation to achieve ambitious growth targets by 2030. The sector will require significant investments in R&D, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
LSN India ·
India's pharmaceutical industry must transition beyond its traditional reliance on low-cost generic medicines to unlock its full growth potential, industry experts said, emphasising the need for greater innovation and quality standards.
With the nation targeting a pharmaceutical market worth USD 130 billion by 2030, sector leaders gathered in Hyderabad highlighted that the next phase of expansion would hinge on substantial investments in research and development, digital transformation, and contract research and manufacturing operations.
The discussions emerged from the Pharma Leadership Exchange, a precursor event to the 19th edition of CPHI & PMEC India 2026, which will take place across venues in the Delhi-NCR region in November. The forum brought together pharmaceutical executives, chief officers and key stakeholders from India's pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors to chart the industry's future direction.
Experts stressed that maintaining global competitiveness requires India's pharma companies to upgrade their manufacturing capabilities, strengthen adherence to international regulatory standards, and foster a culture of continuous innovation. This strategic shift is seen as critical to sustaining India's position as a major player in global pharmaceutical markets while addressing domestic healthcare demands.