Union Budget 2026: Govt Unveils Biopharma Shakti to Make India Global Bio-Pharma Hub

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made one of the most significant announcements of Budget 2026 by unveiling 'Biopharma Shakti', a flagship initiative with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years, aimed at transforming India into a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

BIG BOOST TO BIOPHARMA

Presenting the Union Budget in Parliament on Sunday, Sitharaman said the government is committed to strengthening India's bio-economy and reducing dependence on imports in critical pharmaceutical segments. The Biopharma Shakti programme will focus on boosting domestic manufacturing capacity, promoting research and innovation, and supporting startups and MSMEs working in biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and advanced therapeutics.

The announcement comes at a time when global demand for biopharmaceutical products is rising sharply, and India is seeking to move up the value chain from being a generic drug supplier to a leader in high-end bio-pharma manufacturing. Officials said the scheme is expected to generate skilled employment, attract private investment, and enhance India's export competitiveness.

Industry experts have welcomed the move, calling it a timely push that could strengthen India's healthcare ecosystem and position the country as a reliable global supplier of critical bio-pharma products. With Biopharma Shakti, the government has signalled a clear intent to make biotechnology a key pillar of India's future economic growth.