Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman Announces Big Pharma Push in Budget; Biotech In Focus

Budget 2026 Highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday made a number of announcements related to healthcare, textile, taxes, pharmaceuticals, etc.

One of the key highlights of Budget 2026 is the Biopharma Shakti initiative. The scheme is expected to boost India's pharmaceutical sector. As FM Sitharaman concludes her speech, here are the key highlights from Biopharma Shakti initiative.

Biopharma Shakti Initiative

The Biopharma Shakti Initiative sets aside Rs 10,000 crore over five years to strengthen India's biopharmaceutical sector. The plan seeks to turn India into a trusted base for biologics and biosimilars while building an end-to-end ecosystem. Authorities also expect broader access to advanced therapies for patients.

Biopharma Shakti Initiative

Rs 10,000 crore allocated to strengthen India's biopharmaceutical sector over the next five years.The scheme focuses on biologic medicines used to manage diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Officials aim to scale up domestic production of biologics and biosimilars, cut dependence on imports and improve resilience. The initiative is also expected to raise India's share in high-value pharma and support long-term economic growth.

Global Manufacturing Hub

Aim to position India as a global hub for biologics and biosimilars.

Focus on Advanced Medicines

Emphasis on biologic medicines for managing diseases like diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

New Research Institutes

Establishment of three new pharmaceutical research institutes to boost innovation and talent. To build talent and innovation, three new pharmaceutical research institutes are planned. Seven existing pharmaceutical education and research institutes are also set for upgrades, improving labs and training. Together, these institutions are designed to connect education, early research and later-stage development under a single policy vision.

Upgradation of Existing Institutes

Seven existing pharmaceutical education and research institutes to be upgraded.

Clinical Trial Expansion

Creation of a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to accelerate drug development.

Regulatory Strengthening

Central regulatory bodies to be enhanced for faster approvals and global compliance.

Ecosystem Building

End-to-end ecosystem development from education and research to manufacturing and clinical trials.

Boost to Domestic Production

Efforts to scale up domestic biologics and biosimilar manufacturing, reducing import dependence.

Economic & Health Impact

Initiative expected to improve India's competitiveness in high-value pharma and increase access to advanced therapies.

Biopharmaceutical Sector Biologics and Biosimilars network

The initiative includes a network of 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites to speed drug development. Central regulatory bodies are set to be strengthened for faster, predictable approvals and better alignment with global standards. This expanded clinical and regulatory capacity is expected to support large biologics programmes from discovery to market.

By linking stronger regulation, expanded clinical trials and upgraded institutes, the Biopharma Shakti Initiative aims to create a full pipeline from research to manufacturing. The effort is projected to enhance India's competitiveness in biologics and biosimilars while giving patients wider access to advanced treatments across the country.