Budget 2026 Lays Strong Foundation For India’s Biopharma Growth
The Budget proposes setting up three National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education And Research, upgrades to seven existing institutes, and over 1,000 clinical trial sites, aimed at accelerating research, innovation and regulatory capacity: Reports
HYDERABAD: Industry leaders welcomed the Union Budget for what they said was its strong thrust on biopharma innovation, with the announcement of the ₹10,000 crore Biopharma Shakti programme aimed at building a domestic ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars.
Dr K. Anand Kumar, managing director, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, said the initiative could be transformational. “India supplies nearly 60 percent of the world’s vaccines. Biopharma Shakti can help us transition from a volume-driven supplier to an innovation-led global biopharma leader,” he said, adding that investments in advanced manufacturing and indigenous raw materials would strengthen supply chain resilience.
The Budget proposes setting up three National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education And Research, upgrades to seven existing institutes, and over 1,000 clinical trial sites, aimed at accelerating research, innovation and regulatory capacity. Customs duty exemptions on 17 cancer drugs and extended relief for rare disease medicines were also welcomed as steps towards improving access.
Arushi Jain, Director, Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said the Budget creates long-term confidence for the industry. “With stronger research support, expanded clinical trials and a clear focus on quality manufacturing, the Budget allows companies like ours to deepen R&D and bring advanced therapies to patients faster and more affordably,” she said.
Industry leaders also welcomed investments in allied healthcare workforce training and integration of traditional medicine systems. However, public health experts cautioned that price regulation and domestic patient safeguards are essential to ensure that biopharma growth translates into real affordability for Indian patients.
Together, the measures position India to evolve from the pharmacy of the world into a global hub for vaccines, biologics and integrated healthcare, while debates continue on balancing innovation with equity and public health priorities.
