By Swastika Sahu
India is preparing to ramp up pharmaceutical exports to Russia, the Netherlands, and Brazil according to two industry sources. In a bid to diversify its markets and reduce dependence on the United States, its biggest market amid uncertainty over possible 50% tariffs.
India’s pharmaceutical exports are thriving, with a significant portion, over one-third, heading to the U.S.
These exports, primarily consisting of affordable generic medications, generated $$10.5$ billion in fiscal 2025. This strong performance highlights India’s crucial role in supplying cost-effective drugs globally.
Looking ahead, there’s exciting potential to expand India’s pharmaceutical reach into new markets. Experts believe that by addressing regulatory hurdles, potentially discussed at the International Pharmaceutical Exhibition in New Delhi, India could boost exports to alternative markets by 20%. This growth would leverage India’s impressive drug manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond the U.S., the United Kingdom is a key market, accounting for $$914$ million in sales, followed by Brazil at $$778$ million. Other important destinations include the Netherlands and Russia, with exports of $$616$ million and $$577$ million respectively in fiscal 2025. This diverse export portfolio, combined with existing manufacturing capacity, positions India for substantial future growth in the global pharmaceutical landscape.
While India is keen to explore new pharmaceutical markets for growth, the revenue generated from the U.S. remains exceptionally vital and irreplaceable. The focus isn’t on replacing the U.S. market but rather on strategically identifying additional avenues for expansion and increasing India’s global pharmaceutical footprint.
To facilitate this growth into diverse markets, India plans to address various regulatory challenges during the upcoming International Pharmaceutical Exhibition in New Delhi. This important event will bring together global regulatory stakeholders, creating a crucial platform for discussions that can streamline the entry of Indian pharmaceuticals into new territories.
In a proactive move, the Indian government has been actively engaging with pharmaceutical companies to boost exports to the UK, especially in light of a new free trade agreement. This initiative is expected to result in a substantial increase in the procurement of Indian-made generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients by the UK’s National Health Service, further solidifying India’s position as a key global pharmaceutical supplier.