The latest edition of CPHI and PMEC India signaled a clear shift in the country’s pharmaceutical sector as industry leaders highlighted movement from a generics-focused model toward research, innovation, and higher-value products. The expo, which drew more than 2,000 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from over 120 countries, reinforced India’s standing as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply.
Exports grew exponentially
Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi said India’s pharma exports have reached $30.46 billion, with steady demand from the United States and Europe. He noted that future growth will hinge on expanding complex generics, peptides, biosimilars, and biologics.
Kalyan Chakravarthy of Dr. Reddy’s reported a slowdown in API imports from China, which he linked to domestic manufacturing incentives such as the Production Linked Incentive scheme.
API sector
He projected that India’s API sector could shift to double-digit growth by the end of the decade.
Biocon’s Amit Kaptain pointed to rapid expansion in diabetes and obesity therapies, especially GLP-1 drugs.
He said India’s Liraglutide segment remains small, but the generic Semaglutide opportunity could reach up to $1.5 billion within three years of exclusivity loss in major markets.
ACG Chairman Ajit Singh stressed the importance of the ancillary sector, including machinery and packaging components that support India’s manufacturing base. Sridevi Khambhampaty of Shilpa Biologicals noted easing biosimilar rules in the United States and Europe, which she said will accelerate Indian participation in biologics development.
Informa Markets India Managing Director Yogesh Mudras said rising international participation at CPHI and PMEC reflects global confidence in India’s capabilities across generics and advanced therapies.
In the nutraceutical segment, Eskag Pharma’s Victor Baishya projected market expansion from $32.14 billion to $75.81 billion by 2033, driven by rising interest in preventive health. IM Healthcare’s Avneet Singh Setia said nutritional supplements are expected to grow at an 8 percent annual rate, with strong demand for gummies, Ayurveda-based formulations, and clean-label products.