India Launches “Biopharma SHAKTI” - A ₹10,000 Crore Push to Build a…

Sarah J · 2026-02-10T17:04:07.000Z

India has officially launched Biopharma SHAKTI - short for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation a major new initiative unveiled in the Union Budget 2026-27 aimed at transforming the country’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem and positioning India as a leading global manufacturing hub for advanced biologic medicines and biosimilars. The programme carries a ₹10,000 crore (approx. US $1.1 billion) outlay over the next five years and marks a strategic shift from volume-based generic drug production to high-value biologics research, production and innovation. Announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, Biopharma SHAKTI targets strengthening India’s life sciences capabilities amid a rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders, where biologic therapies play a crucial role in treatment. Under the initiative, India plans to build a dedicated ecosystem for biopharmaceutical research, manufacturing and clinical development that can meet global standards and compete internationally. A key element of the strategy is investment in research infrastructure and human capital. The programme will establish three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) focused on biopharma skills and innovation, and upgrade seven existing NIPERs to enhance training and specialised research capacity. A nationwide network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites will also be created to support accelerated drug testing and development in partnership with industry and research institutions. The initiative also includes plans to strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) by creating scientific review cadres and enhancing regulatory processes to align with global benchmarks, which is expected to shorten approval timelines for complex biologics while maintaining safety and compliance. Biopharma SHAKTI is seen as a long-term policy commitment to elevate India’s presence in the global biopharmaceutical sector, going beyond traditional generics and creating infrastructure for next-generation medicine discovery, manufacturing and exports. It aligns with broader national goals of healthcare self-reliance and economic competitiveness in advanced technologies.

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India Launches “Biopharma SHAKTI” - A ₹10,000 Crore Push to Build a… | SEINET