India exports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have surpassed imports, marking a significant achievement for the country’s pharmaceutical sector. In the fiscal year 2024-25, exports stood at approximately ₹41,500 crore, surpassing the import figure of ₹39,215 crore, as announced by Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda.
During a session in the Rajya Sabha on March 10, 2026, Minister Nadda emphasized the government’s efforts over the past decade to enhance domestic production and reduce dependency on imports. The imports of APIs from China, which accounted for 74% of the total last fiscal, have been a focal point of these initiatives.
The government has introduced a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme with an allocation of ₹6,940 crore to boost the manufacturing of key starting materials and drug intermediates. This scheme aims to curtail import reliance, particularly from China, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in the pharmaceutical industry.
The PLI scheme has led to the establishment of domestic manufacturing capacities for 28 critical products, resulting in cumulative sales of ₹2,720 crore by December 2025. This includes exports worth ₹527.96 crore, significantly reducing import needs and generating employment for nearly 4,896 individuals.
Looking forward, the government continues to implement measures such as anti-dumping duties and minimum import prices to protect domestic industries. These steps are expected to further bolster India’s position as a leading player in the global pharmaceutical market.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 11, 2026
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