India’s pharmaceutical industry is rapidly moving from low cost generic drugs to high value drugs, complex chemical processes and advanced treatments. Experts said that pharmaceutical companies are investing in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) in the country to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen their position in global competition. The main reasons behind this shift are domestic health needs, increasing demand for drugs used in the treatment of stubborn diseases, new export opportunities and government incentive schemes to increase production capacity.
India’s pharmaceutical market is going through a different phase
Ahead of CPHI India and PMEC India 2026, South Asia’s leading pharmaceutical industry trade events, industry representatives said strategic investment in advanced manufacturing and specialty chemical technology platforms is essential to reduce import dependency. Deepak Jain, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director, Jubilant Ingravia said that India’s pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a long-term structural transformation towards high-value, innovation-driven and sustainable manufacturing. Jain said global pharmaceutical companies are prioritizing the robustness of supply chains and complex chemical processes. In such a scenario, local capacity in APIs, advanced intermediate chemicals and contract drug development and manufacturing (CDMO) will be critical to reduce import dependency.
The country’s market grew by 17.1 percent
According to IQVIA data, India’s domestic pharmaceutical market grew by 17.1 percent year-on-year in September 2026. This is the highest increase in any one month in three years. Pankaj Banerjee, Head of Global Export Business and Senior General Manager, Hamdard Laboratories India, said India’s pharmaceutical and AYUSH sector has the potential for continued expansion till 2030. This growth will be driven by disease prevention, lifestyle health, scientific evidence and international demand for herbal medicines. He said India imported bulk drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) worth about $4.35 billion in FY 2024-25, of which China accounted for 73.71 percent.
Organization of International Convention and Expo Centre
Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets India, said that the country’s pharmaceutical industry is advancing rapidly in terms of global competition and technology. CPHI India will be organized from November 23 to 25 at the India International Convention and Expo Center (IICC), Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, Delhi. Whereas, PMEC India will be organized from November 24 to 26 at India Exposition Mart Limited, Greater Noida.
