Ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27, India’s pharmaceutical industry has urged the government to introduce globally competitive R&D incentives, restore weighted deductions, and simplify regulatory frameworks. Industry leaders argue these measures are essential to transform the sector into a USD 130 billion innovation-driven powerhouse by 2030.
India’s pharmaceutical sector, a global leader in generics, is now seeking to pivot toward innovation-led growth. With the Union Budget 2026-27 approaching, industry bodies including the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) have called on policymakers to prioritize research and development incentives, fiscal support for clinical trials, and rationalization of GST structures. The sector believes these reforms will strengthen India’s position in global healthcare and ensure sustainable growth.
Key highlights from the announcement include
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Industry leaders demand globally competitive R&D incentives to align with India’s innovation ambitions.
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Restoration of weighted R&D deduction is sought to encourage higher investment in research.
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Simplification of compliance and regulatory frameworks is emphasized to reduce delays and improve efficiency.
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Fiscal support for clinical research is considered critical to building a robust innovation ecosystem.
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GST rationalization is requested to ease financial burdens and streamline operations.
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The pharma industry aims to transition from a volume-driven model to an innovation-led sector.
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India’s pharmaceutical market is projected to reach USD 130 billion by 2030 with supportive policies.
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IPA Secretary General Sudarshan Jain highlighted that innovation-driven growth will enhance India’s scientific ecosystem and global competitiveness.
The industry’s appeal reflects a broader vision of positioning India as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation. While the country has established itself as the “pharmacy of the world” through affordable generics, stakeholders believe that the next phase of growth must be anchored in cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and advanced therapies.
As the government prepares the Union Budget, the pharma sector’s demands underscore the importance of balancing affordability with innovation. Supportive fiscal and regulatory measures could accelerate India’s transition into a global leader not only in generics but also in novel drug development, biotechnology, and healthcare solutions.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Rediff, NewsDrum, PTI News