India well positioned to evolve as innovation led pharma nation over next 5 years: CDSCO

Chandrashekar said that, “The government and CDSCO reforms such as streamlined approvals, reduced regulatory layers, decriminalization of non-serious offences and the recommendation of R&D projects worth Rs 5,000 crore. The newly launched Hospital Finance scheme of Rs 1,00,000 crore further strengthens the country’s R&D landscape.”

India’s pharmaceutical sector is rapidly shifting from a generics-led foundation to an innovation-driven ecosystem, with growing emphasis on biosimilars, peptides, complex generics and next-generation biologics. Chandrashekar said while speaking at the 18th CPHI & PMEC India organized by the Informa Markets in Greater Noida scheduled from November 25 to November 27, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) said, “The global pharmaceutical landscape is shifting rapidly, and India must evolve beyond its traditional generics mindset to remain the pharmacy of the world. The future lies in value-driven innovation, advancing capabilities in peptides, complex generics, biosimilars, biologics, targeted drug delivery systems and cell and gene therapies. Breakthrough classes such as GLP-1 inhibitors are redefining global health outcomes and Indian manufacturers are already preparing to enter these high-value segments as patents expire. While building scale in these advanced areas will take the next five to six years, many Indian companies have already taken strong steps forward. What the industry now needs is broader thinking, cross-domain insights and a more innovation-led approach to strengthen India’s role in shaping the next era of global healthcare.”

Anil Matai, Director General, Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) said, “After firmly establishing itself as the ‘Pharmacy to the World,’ the country is now transitioning toward becoming a true pharma powerhouse. This shift is supported by enabling regulations, improved processes, and a growing emphasis on innovation, stronger intellectual property protection and the elimination of patent infringements. These reforms reflect the government’s broader vision to ‘discover in India, innovate in India and innovate for the world,’ and the first steps toward that future are already visible. The next five years will look very different from the last, driven by greater investment in innovation and a deeper commitment to patient-centricity. While isolated quality lapses have occurred, the industry remains focused on strengthening safeguards to ensure such incidents do not recur, protecting both patient trust and India’s global reputation.”

Harish K Jain, President, Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE) said, “India’s pharma industry is undergoing a major shift from a purely generics-driven model to one rooted in ‘Navachar and Anusandhan’, innovation and research. While the sector includes some of the country’s largest companies, a significant portion comprises MSMEs and they are equally part of this transformation. Many MSME members are showcasing their new technologies and innovative products at this exhibition, demonstrating how actively they are contributing to India’s evolving pharma landscape. Over the years, several MSMEs that once started small at CPHI have grown to export to more than 100 countries. This progress reflects the changing direction of the country and the growing strength of India’s innovation-led pharmaceutical ecosystem.”

Kaushik Desai, Secretary General, International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council of India (IPEC) & HADSA said, “The event serves as a primary gateway for international visitors and exporters to explore India’s full spectrum of innovation from materials and services to advanced machinery and a strong excipient ecosystem that alone represents a USD 1 billion industry. India’s pharmaceutical sector, currently a USD 30 billion export market with a similar domestic size has the potential to scale to USD 130 billion by 2030 and reach USD 450 billion by 2047. To achieve this, government policies must keep pace with global developments, especially in innovation. While new initiatives like PRPI are welcome, stronger monitoring and accountability across stakeholders are essential to ensure real outcomes. Only then can India fully realize its growth potential rather than merely talk about it.”

Highlighting the significance of this year's CPHI & PMEC India Expo, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, "India's pharmaceutical sector has achieved remarkable growth, with exports doubling to USD 30 billion and nearly half of global life sciences leaders establishing operations here. We're witnessing a powerful transformation as India strengthens its footprint across traditional generics, complex formulations, biologics and advanced therapies. This year's strong international participation at CPHI & PMEC India demonstrates global confidence in India's innovation capabilities."

The event featured participation from leading companies such as Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Biocon, Jubilant Ingrevia etc. This year, the expo garnered strong support from key industry associations such as Pharmexcil, International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC) India, Bulk Drug Manufacturers Association of India (BDMAI) and Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Federation of Pharma Entrepreneurs (FOPE) and The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) along with participation from regulatory authorities and policymakers.