Swiss healthcare major Roche Pharma has committed to an investment of 1.5 billion Swiss Francs in India over the next five years, a senior company executive announced. Speaking at the India-EFTA Prosperity Summit, François du Toit, Area Head for Roche CEETRIS (Central Eastern Europe, Türkiye, Russia and the Indian Subcontinent), said the company currently employs over 5,000 people in India and that this investment underlines a long-term commitment to the Indian market.

The funding will be channelled into three critical areas, including research and development, expansion of core businesses, and work with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat to broaden access to innovative products for patients. Roche views India not only as a key market in its own right, but also as a hub for innovation.

This announcement comes as India’s free trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc takes effect. The investment reflects Roche’s strategy to deepen its roots and impact in the country while helping to make its therapies more accessible to a broader section of the population.