Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 7. During his address, he underscored the pharmaceutical sector’s journey towards a new phase of development. He highlighted the importance of focusing on innovation, quality systems, and high-value products to elevate India’s status in the global market.

Goyal emphasised that while India has built a successful narrative in generics, it is essential to foster more research and development (R&D) and secure patents for domestic products. He described the need for the pharmaceutical industry to lead in research and innovation, particularly in fields such as biosimilars and biotechnology. He urged for a regulatory environment conducive to R&D and investment in clinical trials and new product development.

Moreover, Goyal stated that India should enhance its existing capabilities in the pharmaceutical domain and align them with global standards. He called for regulatory convergence with more developed markets and policies that engage investors while adapting to international market needs. The minister expressed that achieving resilience in supply chains involves diversifying across various geographies and companies while also building local capabilities.

Focus on Innovation and Technology in Pharmaceuticals

Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, accentuated the shift from affordable medicines to pharmaceutical innovation. He noted that India’s strong research base and youthful talent pool are assets in this transition. However, he pointed out that adopting technology, especially artificial intelligence, is crucial for Indian firms to stay competitive and advance to higher levels of innovation.

Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, remarked that India has successfully tapped into the global volume opportunity and must now shift its focus to creating value through innovative drugs and healthcare solutions. He mentioned that recent trade agreements are facilitating access to new markets, with a specific emphasis on regulatory harmonisation to ease entry for Indian companies.

Namit Joshi, Chairman of Pharmexcil, reiterated India’s reputation as the “pharmacy of the world” due to its strength in generics. He called for a shift towards value-added products such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and complex generics. Joshi encouraged collaboration between Indian companies and international delegates to explore long-term partnerships that create mutual benefits.

Bharat Health Global Expo 2026: A Platform for Opportunities

Bhavin Mehta, Vice Chairman of Pharmexcil, noted that while India’s affordable medicine sector has established its foothold in global healthcare, the future lies in tackling more complex formulations including biosimilars and vaccines. He emphasised the need for increased investment in research, advanced manufacturing, and enhanced quality systems to facilitate Indian companies in moving up the value chain.

The Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 aims to showcase India’s capabilities in healthcare and life sciences on an international platform, with a primary focus on exports and fostering long-term partnerships. The event integrates various elements of the pharmaceutical industry, including pharmaceutical machinery, nutraceuticals, and healthcare services.

The Expo comprises four significant events, including iPHEX 2026, the flagship pharmaceutical exhibition organised by Pharmexcil. This year’s edition promises over 800 stalls and expects to attract around 30,000 business visitors and 600 international buyers. The goal is to generate approximately $1.4 billion in export business opportunities, with numerous scheduled meetings aimed at forging valuable business relationships.

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