With a ₹10,000-crore outlay, India’s newest mission shifts the ‘Pharmacy of the World’ from low-cost volume to high-value biological innovation
The concept
Announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, Biopharma SHAKTI (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology, and Innovation) is a flagship initiative to transform India into a global hub for biologics and biosimilars. Unlike traditional chemical drugs, biologics are derived from living organisms (human cells, microbes, fungi) and are used to treat complex conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and rare genetic disorders.
Why it matters
- Value-led growth: While India leads in generic drugs, biologics represent the ‘frontier’ of medicine. The mission aims to capture 5% of the global biopharmaceutical market share by 2031, moving India up the pharmaceutical value chain.
- Scientific modernisation: A standout feature of SHAKTI is the promotion of Non-Animal Methodologies (NAMs), such as ‘organ-on-a-chip’ and 3D bioprinting. These technologies replicate human biology more accurately than animal models, speeding up drug discovery and improving safety.
- Institutional overhaul: The plan includes establishing three new NIPERs (National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research) and upgrading seven existing ones into Centres of Excellence for translational research.
- Clinical trial network: To accelerate development, the mission is creating a national network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, positioning India as a preferred global destination for ethical, high-quality clinical research.
Key objectives
Self-reliance: Reducing 100% dependency on imported “frontier biologics" and novel molecules.
Public health: Targeting the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which now account for 63% of deaths in India, by making advanced therapies affordable.
Final outlook
Biopharma SHAKTI is a structural pivot for the Indian pharma sector. By integrating biotechnology with advanced manufacturing and ‘human-relevant’ science, India is ensuring that its healthcare ecosystem is not just a provider of affordable copies, but a pioneer of life-saving innovations for the 21st century.