Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has called on India’s pharmaceutical industry to reduce dependency on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and focus on strengthening domestic manufacturing capability. He emphasised that enhancing self-reliance in API production is vital for national health security and economic resilience.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over global supply chain vulnerabilities, especially for critical medicines, and follows the broader government push under its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Mandaviya noted that while India is a major producer of finished drugs, it still relies heavily on API imports — a structural weakness that needs urgent attention.

To address these challenges, the government plans to offer financial incentives, build new manufacturing facilities, and promote public-private partnerships. By scaling up local API production capabilities, India aims to reduce import dependence, ensure stable access to essential medicines, and better manage future health crises.