Source The Hindu
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced a major boost for India’s life sciences sector, proposing a ₹10,000 crore investment in biopharmaceuticals over the next five years as part of the Union Budget 2026.
Presenting the Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman said the proposed investment aims to strengthen India’s position as a global hub for biopharma research, innovation, and manufacturing. The funds will be channelled towards research and development, advanced manufacturing facilities, and support for startups working in vaccines, biologics, biosimilars, and precision medicine.
“The biopharmaceutical sector holds immense potential for improving healthcare outcomes while also generating high-skilled employment,” the Finance Minister said. She added that the initiative would focus on encouraging public-private partnerships and promoting collaboration between academic institutions, research labs, and industry players.
The proposed outlay will also support the development of critical infrastructure such as bio-incubators, testing facilities, and clinical trial networks. According to the government, this will help reduce India’s dependence on imports for advanced therapies and improve access to affordable, high-quality medicines.
Industry experts have welcomed the announcement, calling it a timely move as global demand for biologics and advanced therapies continues to rise. They believe the investment could accelerate innovation, attract foreign investment, and enhance India’s export competitiveness in the biopharma space.
The government said detailed guidelines for the implementation of the biopharma investment programme will be announced in the coming months, with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
