India continues to consolidate its position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, with 70% of vaccines procured by the World Health Organization (WHO) and 14% of generic medicines imported by the United States (US) originating from Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers. This was underscored by Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ms. Anupriya Patel, during the Second Policymakers’ Forum organized by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC).

Her address shed light on India’s central role in global healthcare, a reputation bolstered by its high-volume, low-cost, high-quality pharmaceutical production that continues to meet the demands of both developing and developed nations.

India: The Global Vaccine Hub

India’s status as the largest supplier of vaccines to the WHO underscores its importance in maintaining global public health. The fact that 70% of all vaccines sourced by the WHO come from Indian companies reflects a robust pharmaceutical infrastructure, backed by decades of R&D, manufacturing excellence, and regulatory alignment.

The Minister also spotlighted India’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country took the lead in humanitarian vaccine distribution through its globally appreciated ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative. Under this initiative, India supplied vaccines to over 100 nations, particularly developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, highlighting its unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare access.

US Reliance on Indian Generics

The Minister stated that 14% of all generic drugs imported by the United States are manufactured in India. This underscores the mutual dependence between India and global markets, especially for affordable, effective treatment options. It also showcases India’s credibility and compliance with international regulatory standards, given that the US is among the most tightly regulated pharmaceutical markets in the world.

This growing reliance comes at a time when generic drug affordability is becoming a major healthcare priority, even in wealthier nations, and India's cost-effective production is increasingly essential in this global supply equation.

Domestic Success Through PMBJP and Jan Aushadhi Kendras

India’s domestic pharmaceutical success story is not limited to exports alone. Through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), India has created a network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which aim to provide high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices.

These government-supported medical stores have contributed significantly to:

• Reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for Indian citizens

• Enhancing access to medicines in rural and underserved regions

• Strengthening the supply chain of essential drugs across the country

According to Ms. Patel, Jan Aushadhi Kendras have changed the lives of millions by offering medicine that is up to 50-90% cheaper than branded counterparts. This grassroots-level affordability model has also served as a case study for global healthcare equity.

Maintaining International Regulatory Standards

India’s leadership in pharmaceuticals is also rooted in its world-class drug regulatory infrastructure. The country holds the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status, a recognition that:

• Affirms the functional capacity of India’s drug regulatory systems

• Highlights its alignment with international safety and quality benchmarks

• Enables smoother global acceptance of Indian pharmaceutical products

The GBT ML3 status is critical because it assures global buyers, including WHO and major donor agencies, of India’s commitment to good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and pharmaceutical compliance protocols.

India Tops US FDA Drug Facility Approvals

India also boasts the highest number of drug manufacturing facilities approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). This further reinforces its reputation as a trusted and quality-driven exporter of pharmaceuticals.

Facilities across Indian states—from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat to Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh—have achieved US FDA compliance, producing billions of tablets, capsules, and injectable products annually for global consumption.

This robust footprint of FDA-certified facilities:

• Boosts India’s competitiveness in high-value global tenders

• Encourages foreign investment in Indian pharma

• Strengthens bilateral health trade partnerships

Growing Recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia

India’s regulatory framework has gained additional credibility through the increasing international acceptance of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Ms. Patel noted that 15 countries—including Cuba—now recognize IP as a valid standard, up from a handful just a few years ago.

This development is part of a broader trend toward global regulatory harmonisation, where countries are aligning their standards to facilitate:

• Easier pharmaceutical trade

• Consistent drug quality and safety benchmarks

• Quicker market access for life-saving drugs

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), responsible for setting drug standards in India, continues to push for further international alignment, especially with markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Conclusion: India’s Expanding Global Pharma Leadership

India’s contributions to global healthcare—both in terms of volume and value—are unparalleled. From being the largest supplier of WHO vaccines to a critical generic drug partner to the US, India continues to strengthen its pharmaceutical footprint on all fronts.

Efforts such as the Vaccine Maitri initiative, the success of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and the country’s robust adherence to global regulatory frameworks make it a dependable partner in the international health ecosystem.

The pharmaceutical sector’s future trajectory is also supported by government schemes, investment in R&D, and rising global trust in Indian manufacturing. With the world increasingly looking for cost-effective, scalable, and quality-driven healthcare solutions, India’s pharmaceutical industry is set to play an even greater strategic role in the decades ahead.

By balancing domestic affordability with global export capability, India serves as a model for inclusive healthcare and pharma-driven economic growth, aligned with both humanitarian values and commercial excellence.

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