Two-day ‘India Pharma 2026’ concludes
The 9th edition of India Pharma 2026, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, in association with FICCI and IPA, New Delhi, successfully concluded today, after two days of extensive deliberations aimed at strengthening India’s pharmaceutical and biopharma ecosystem.
On the second day of the event, two plenary sessions and a valedictory session were held, focusing on strengthening the pharmaceutical financing ecosystem and charting forward-looking pathways for innovation-led growth.
The event witnessed participation from over 800 delegates across both days, with more than 60 speakers engaging in 10 sessions including 6 plenary sessions, supported by over 20 partner organisations.
Delivering the valedictory address, Satyaprakash T L, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers noted that discussions across sessions converged around three critical enablers for the next phase of growth: funding, infrastructure and speed. While stakeholders expressed varied views on prioritisation, there was a shared understanding that coordinated action across government, industry and academia is essential. Emphasising the urgency of collaboration, he stated that India must proactively position itself in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape to remain competitive.
Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), outlined the evolving research funding architecture, noting that it combines grant-based support for academia and not-for-profit institutions with capital-based instruments for the private sector.
Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, focused on charting India’s next phase of pharmaceutical growth by moving beyond incremental progress toward bold, innovation-driven transformation.
Reflecting on the broader evolution of India’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical ecosystem, Dr Renu Swarup, Former Secretary to Govt of India, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology while addressing session on ‘Reflections and Big Moves to Leapfrog Innovation’, emphasised that the country has made significant strides
Dilip Shanghvi, Executive Chairman, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, underlined that pharmaceutical innovation is inherently high-risk and requires mechanisms to share risk across stakeholders, while emphasizing sustained investment in R&D, the importance of reimbursement pathways, and building a strong pipeline of innovative Indian products.
Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences, emphasized the need for stronger financial support for research, expanding market access for new drugs.
Winselow Tucker, Co-Chair of the FICCI Pharma Committee and President and General Manager, Eli Lilly India, highlighted that successful transformation in the pharmaceutical sector requires a clear strategic intent supported by a phased roadmap with well-defined milestones..(updatated on 14th April 26)
