India’s pharmaceutical export industry is preparing for 2026 with a sharp focus on quality excellence, regulatory compliance and diversification into new global markets, according to the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). The strategy reflects the sector’s efforts to strengthen resilience and sustain growth amid evolving global trade and regulatory challenges.

Speaking at Pharmexcil’s 21st Annual General Meeting, industry leaders highlighted the need for Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers to move beyond volume-led growth and transition toward value-driven, high-quality manufacturing. With pharmaceutical exports crossing USD 30 billion in 2025, including formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients and vaccines, the industry is consolidating its role as a dependable supplier to global markets.

Pharmexcil chairman Namit Joshi emphasised that maintaining consistently high quality standards will be central to India’s export competitiveness. As global regulators tighten oversight and buyers increasingly demand complex and specialised products, Indian manufacturers must align their quality systems with international expectations. Strengthening compliance frameworks, he noted, will not only help safeguard existing markets but also open doors to advanced and regulated geographies.

Market diversification emerged as another critical priority for 2026. With trade uncertainties, tariff pressures and delays in major trade agreements, the council underscored the importance of reducing dependence on a limited set of export destinations. Expanding into emerging and non-traditional markets is seen as essential to mitigate risk and sustain export momentum over the medium to long term.

The industry is also witnessing a structural shift from conventional generics to complex formulations, biosimilars, specialty APIs and other high-value products. This transition demands greater investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, robust process controls and skilled manpower. Industry participants noted that upgrading manufacturing capabilities will be key to meeting stringent global regulatory requirements while enhancing efficiency and product consistency.

Pharmexcil leaders pointed out that while India’s strength in large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing has driven growth over the past decades, the next phase will require deeper integration of quality-by-design principles, sustainability practices and digitalisation across manufacturing operations. These measures are expected to support long-term competitiveness and reinforce India’s reputation as a trusted global pharma hub.

Looking ahead to 2026, the council outlined a roadmap centred on quality leadership, broader market access and innovation-driven manufacturing. By strengthening compliance standards, investing in advanced production capabilities and diversifying export markets, India’s pharmaceutical sector aims to enhance its global footprint and position itself as a leader in high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing.