iPHEX 2026 concluded in New Delhi with potential business discussions estimated between USD 4.5 billion and USD 5 billion. The 12th edition, held from September 7 to 9, recorded 468 buyers, 405 sellers and 8,504 meetings, and drew more than 30,000 business visitors, with overall footfall including exhibitors crossing 50,000.

Buyers from 128 countries participated, including national procurement agencies from Cuba, the Philippines, Zambia, Palestine, Tajikistan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Mali, El Salvador, Libya, Fiji, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Kenya, Mauritius and Malawi.

The event focused on market access, supply-chain resilience and quality standards. Officials from the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) outlined a move toward a more proportionate, risk-based regulatory framework, greater use of digital systems and simpler compliance while maintaining safety, quality and efficacy.

Bhavin Mehta, Vice Chairman, Pharmexcil, said, “Indian pharma has built scale and credibility globally, but future growth will increasingly depend on moving into more complex products, strengthening manufacturing and technology capabilities and expanding into markets where India still has significant headroom. Platforms such as iPHEX help connect that capability directly with global demand.”

Discussions spanned pharmaceuticals, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), formulations, therapeutics, medical devices and other healthcare segments, covering sourcing, supplier relationships, market expansion and long-term partnerships. The overall product mix discussed was approximately 39 percent therapeutics, 35.1 percent formulations and 25.8 percent APIs.

K Raja Bhanu, Director General, Pharmexcil, said, “The presence of national procurement agencies from across 15 countries at iPHEX 2026 reflects the trust placed in Indian pharmaceuticals for their quality, affordability and reliability. Pharmexcil will work closely with exporters and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with global standards while maintaining commercial viability, and will continue to facilitate market access and convert these engagements into business opportunities.”

Nipun Jain, Chairman, iPHEX, said, “The objective is to move from conversations to conversion. iPHEX gives Indian companies the opportunity to understand buyer requirements directly, build relationships and identify commercial opportunities across markets. The next step is to convert these engagements into orders, partnerships and sustained market access.”

On the concluding day, Namit Joshi announced that the 13th edition of iPHEX and the second edition of Bharat Health Global Expo will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from August 19 to 21, 2027. Organised annually since 2013 by Pharmexcil with the support of the Department of Commerce, iPHEX connects Indian exporters with international stakeholders and showcases India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare capabilities.

Joshi, Chairman, Pharmexcil, said, “The participation of buyers from 128 countries reflects the continued interest in sourcing from and partnering with Indian pharmaceutical companies. Our focus now is on helping the industry convert these discussions into sustained commercial relationships, deepen its presence in established markets and build stronger access to newer geographies.”