India’s pharmaceutical industry needs to reduce its critical dependence on imports used in the manufacturing process, while insulating exports from global geopolitical uncertainties, Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). said on Saturday.
Speaking at the inauguration of Chintan Shivir 2026, organised by the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) here, he said the industry must ensure that its supply chains remain resilient amid global disruptions.
“Whatever we import, we must ensure that our supply chains are fully insulated from global uncertainties,” he said.
Though 100 per cent import substitution might not be feasible, particularly in areas such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other key raw materials. “But it should be pursued to the maximum possible extent,” he added.
On exports, the Secretary said it was natural for large markets and countries to increasingly focus on localising their pharmaceutical production.
Against this backdrop, Indian companies should identify and deepen their presence in markets with stronger export potential in order to protect and further expand the country’s $60-billion pharmaceutical industry.
He also stressed that the industry must continue to meet domestic pharmaceutical requirements while keeping pace with emerging areas such as biosimilars.
Export growth
Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmexcil, said that during April 2025 to February 2026, India’s pharmaceutical exports stood at $28.29 billion, registering a 5.6 per cent growth over the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
Referring to the impact of the West Asian crisis, Joshi said that to achieve total exports of $32 billion in FY26, shipments in March would need to touch $3.72 billion, based on the existing export invoices of exporters.
However, he noted that the West Asia war-related disruption had impacted shipments, and the final export figures for FY26 would depend on the volume registered during March.
Published on April 4, 2026
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