The Union Budget 2026-27 has laid the foundation for a transformative phase in India’s pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector, with a strong focus on innovation, self-reliance, and global competitiveness, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers J. P. Nadda said on Sunday.
Lauding the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Nadda described it as a “Viksit Bharat Budget” with a long-term vision under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted the government’s emphasis on strengthening the biopharmaceutical ecosystem as a major step toward positioning India as a global hub for advanced medicines.
Under the newly announced Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation) initiative, the government has proposed an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years. The programme aims to enhance domestic production of advanced biologic medicines and biosimilars, reduce import dependence, and strengthen healthcare security.
Nadda said the establishment of three new institutes and the upgradation of seven existing institutions would usher in a new era of growth, innovation, and global competitiveness for India’s pharmaceutical sector. He also noted that the creation of three new dedicated chemical parks across states would boost domestic chemical production.
Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Anupriya Patel also welcomed the budget, stating that it reflects the government’s strong commitment to building a developed and self-reliant India. She said the budget marks the beginning of a new era for the health and pharma sector, citing initiatives such as the Biopharma SHAKTI programme, the establishment of three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), and a new NIMHANS facility in North India.
Presenting the budget in Parliament, FM Sitharaman said the government is undertaking comprehensive economic reforms to generate employment, boost productivity, and accelerate growth. She emphasised the scaling up of manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors, including pharmaceuticals, to sustain long-term economic expansion.
As part of efforts to strengthen India’s clinical research ecosystem, the budget proposes the creation of a nationwide network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites. This expansion is expected to improve the quality and credibility of clinical research, accelerate drug development timelines, enhance patient access to advanced therapies, and create new opportunities for researchers and healthcare professionals.
The Finance Minister also announced measures to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) through the creation of a dedicated scientific review cadre and specialist teams to meet global regulatory standards and approval timelines.
To bolster pharmaceutical education and research, the budget provides for the establishment of three new NIPERs and the upgradation of seven existing ones. This initiative aims to develop a highly skilled workforce, promote industry–academia collaboration, and support innovation in high-end pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical research.
Collectively, these initiatives mark a significant step toward building a robust, innovation-driven, and globally competitive pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector, reinforcing India’s ambition to emerge as a leading global biomanufacturing hub.
