In a major push for India’s pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors, the Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament today, announced comprehensive initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic capacity, fostering innovation and positioning India as a global biomanufacturing leader.
Budget Highlights: Biopharma SHAKTI with ₹10,000 crore Outlay
The centrepiece of the Budget is the introduction of “Biopharma SHAKTI” — Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation. Under this plan, the government has allocated ₹10,000 crore over the next five years to develop a self-reliant and globally competitive biopharmaceutical ecosystem in India.
This initiative aims to :
• Boost domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, reducing dependence on imports.
• Attract investments in cutting-edge biomanufacturing infrastructure.
• Promote research and development in next-generation therapies.
• Strengthen India’s role in meeting global healthcare needs.
Scaling Up Clinical Research Across India
To make India a preferred destination for clinical research, the Budget proposes the creation of a network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites nationwide.
According to the Finance Minister, this expansion will :
• Improve the quality and credibility of clinical research.
• Reduce timelines involved in drug development.
• Enhance accessibility to advanced therapies for patients.
• Create new opportunities for researchers, medical professionals and allied industries.
Additionally, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) will be strengthened with a new scientific review cadre and specialist teams to align regulatory processes with global standards.
Pharmaceutical Education and Research - New NIPERs
Recognising the importance of human capital in the innovation ecosystem, the Budget includes plans to:
• Establish three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs).
• Upgrade seven existing NIPERs to enhance research infrastructure and academic excellence.
These steps are expected to foster stronger industry-academia collaboration, develop a highly skilled workforce and support research that meets international benchmarks.
A Step Toward a Competitive Biopharma Ecosystem
Together, the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative, clinical research expansion, and strengthening of pharmaceutical education signify a strategic investment in India’s health innovation landscape. According to government sources, these reforms will not only enhance healthcare security but also contribute significantly to economic growth and global competitiveness in the biopharmaceutical sector.
