Goyal Calls for R&D Push at Bharat Health Expo 2026

Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Bharat Health Global Expo 2026 in New Delhi on Sunday, using the bustling venue to send a clear signal: India’s pharma industry should stop resting on the laurels of cheap generics.

“We have turned generics into a success story, but that is not the finish line,” Goyal said, his tone mixing pride with urgency. “The next step is to fuel research, protect our own patents and push biosimilars, biotech and other high‑value medicines to the forefront.” He went on to demand a friendlier regulatory environment, more openness to clinical‑trial investment and a streamlined pathway for patenting.

Goyal also warned that resilience does not mean turning inward. “We need diversified supply chains across geographies and companies, while building indigenous capabilities where we have a real edge,” he added.

Other dignitaries echoed the sentiment. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, saying, “AI across the value chain will be critical if Indian firms are to stay competitive and move to the next level.”

Rajesh Agrawal, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Commerce, reminded the audience that India has already captured volume markets worldwide; the new priority is “value”. He pointed to trade deals that now include pharmaceutical annexes focused on regulatory harmonisation, not just tariff cuts.

Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi called the country “the pharmacy of the world” because of generics, but insisted the focus must now shift to APIs, key starting materials, complex generics and biosimilars. “Long‑term partnerships, especially in CDMO services, can create real upside for both Indian and foreign players,” he said.

Vice‑Chairman Bhavin Mehta reinforced the same theme, noting that complex formulations, biologics, vaccines and specialised products are the next growth frontier. He urged greater investment in research, advanced manufacturing and quality systems to climb the value curve.

The expo itself bundles four major events – iPHEX 2026, Pharma Mach & Lab Next, Bharat Nutraverse and SANJEEVANI – showcasing everything from pharmaceutical machinery to nutraceuticals and digital health. iPHEX 2026 alone expects over 800 stalls, 600 international buyers and business opportunities worth around USD 1.4 billion.

In sum, the message was unmistakable: India’s generic prowess is a launchpad, not a destination. The real race now is toward innovation, resilience and a stronger foothold in the global pharma value chain.