'India's PLI scheme transforms pharma industry from policy to practice'

INDIA'S production linked incentive (PLI) scheme has emerged as a transformative policy aimed at revitalizing the pharmaceutical sector and its global competitiveness.

- Nandita Vijayasimha

By providing targeted financial incentives, the scheme is moving beyond policy intent to practical implementation, fostering domestic manufacturing, reducing import dependency on key raw materials, and positioning India as a reliable player in the global pharma supply chain.

Vikram Aditya Sehgal, director - finance, Centrient India said that the world has long recognized our country as the 'pharmacy of the world', providing over 20 per cent of global generic drugs. However, this strength hides a significant weakness. Indian pharma imports nearly 70 per cent of bulk drugs and API from China, which creates major supply chain dependency. The PLI scheme addresses this by promoting local production of essential raw materials through financial support and stable policies.