India’s pharma role is expanding beyond generics

India’s pharma industry is still best known for low-cost generic medicines, vaccines, active ingredients and contract manufacturing. That role remains central to global drug supply, but it no longer describes the full direction of the sector.

The country is now trying to build a larger position in clinical research, early development and biotechnology. The shift is gradual. India is not yet a major source of original drugs, but it is becoming more relevant as a venue for trials, translational research and biopharma services.