India’s pharmaceutical sector ranks among global leaders as exports and production surge

India has emerged as one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical producers, ranking third globally by volume and 11th by value, according to the latest official data highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion and growing international footprint, reports IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The country’s pharmaceutical industry now comprises more than 3,000 companies and over 10,500 manufacturing units, forming a highly integrated ecosystem supported by policy reforms, innovation and rising global demand. The domestic market, currently valued at around US$60 billion, is projected to more than double to US$130 billion by 2030.

Pharmaceutical exports alone totalled US$30.5 billion in 2024–25, marking a nearly 16-fold increase since the early 2000s.

India remains the world’s largest supplier of generic medicines, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of global supply and producing tens of thousands of formulations across a wide range of therapeutic categories. The country also plays a critical role in global vaccination efforts, supplying a significant share of essential vaccines used in international immunisation programmes supported by organisations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

In addition, the country has a significant presence in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, contributing around 8 per cent of global output. Ongoing and proposed trade agreements with major international partners are expected to further enhance market access and strengthen India’s position within global healthcare supply chains.