Presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced Biopharma Shakti, a major new initiative with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years, aimed at developing India into a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub.
The Finance Minister said the programme will focus on building a strong end-to-end ecosystem to support domestic production, innovation and global competitiveness in the biopharma sector.
Biopharma Shakti to build full ecosystem
Sitharaman said the Biopharma Shakti initiative will strengthen India’s capabilities across research, manufacturing and regulatory frameworks. The goal is to position India as a trusted global supplier of high-quality biopharmaceutical products while reducing dependence on imports.
She highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader push for self-reliance and advanced manufacturing in critical sectors.
Focus on biologics and biosimilars
To boost domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, the Finance Minister announced the creation of a biopharma-focused network. As part of this, three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) will be established, while seven existing NIPERs will be upgraded.
These institutions are expected to play a key role in advanced research, talent development and industry collaboration, helping India move up the value chain in complex biopharma products.
Clinical trials and regulatory strengthening
Sitharaman also announced plans to create a nationwide network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites across India. This move is aimed at improving research capacity, accelerating innovation and attracting global clinical studies.
In addition, the government will strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to meet global regulatory standards. A dedicated scientific review system with specialist support will be introduced to ensure faster and more predictable approval timelines.
Experts say the Biopharma Shakti initiative could significantly boost investment, create high-skilled jobs and enhance India’s reputation as a global biopharma powerhouse, provided implementation remains swift and coordinated.