Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Announces Rs 10,000 Crore ‘Biopharma Shakti’ Initiative; Know All About It

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on Sunday, announced the launch of 'Biopharma Shakti', a Rs 10,000-crore national strategy aimed at strengthening India's biologics ecosystem and positioning the country as a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

What is Biopharma Shakti? FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Rs 10,000-Crore Biopharma Initiative

Biopharma Shakti is a five-year program focused on boosting India's capabilities in biologics, biosimilars and biopharmaceutical innovation. The initiative is designed to leverage knowledge, advanced technology and innovation to improve healthcare outcomes while supporting domestic manufacturing.

The Finance Minister said the program will be rolled out with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore over the next five years, underscoring the government's commitment to building a robust and self-reliant biopharma sector. The funding will support infrastructure development, research, and manufacturing capacity across the value chain.

Strengthening India's Biologics Ecosystem

Under Biopharma Shakti, the government aims to create a strong ecosystem for biologics and biosimilars, enabling India to meet growing domestic demand while expanding its global footprint. The initiative comes at a time when India's disease burden is increasingly shifting towards non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Focus on Research, Innovation and Clinical Trials

The strategy will prioritise research and innovation, including the expansion of national institutions dedicated to pharmaceutical education and research. It also seeks to develop a network of over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites, strengthening India's role in global drug development and clinical research.

Boost to Healthcare and Global Competitiveness

By integrating science, technology and innovation, Biopharma Shakti is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility, reduce dependence on imports, and create high-value employment. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of making India a trusted global supplier of high-quality biopharmaceutical products.

"The announcement of Biopharma Shakti with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore represents a significant and timely intervention for India's pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. With the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, this allocation reflects the government's strategic focus on strengthening biopharmaceutical research, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities," said Dr Sameer Bhati, Public Health Analyst.

"The initiative is expected to support indigenous R&D, enhance capacities in biologics and biosimilars, and reduce import dependence for critical therapies. Over the next five years, Biopharma Shakti has the potential to reinforce India's position as a reliable global provider of high-quality and affordable biopharmaceutical solutions," the expert added. Pharma Stocks Today:

Pharma Stocks Today

Sun Pharmaceutical Share Price Today

Sun Pharma was trading in positive territory at 1.46 pm on Sunday, up around 1.2% at Rs 1,614.50.

Divi's Laboratories Share Price Today

Divi's Labs was marginally lower, slipping about 0.4% to trade near Rs 6,025.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Share Price Today

Torrent Pharma was among the gainers, rising nearly 0.9% to around Rs 3,994.40.

Cipla Share Price Today

Cipla traded lower at 1.47 pm by around 0.8% at Rs 1,313.40. The stock saw mild selling pressure in early deals, likely due to profit booking at higher levels.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories Share Price Today

Dr Reddy's Labs was also trading in the red, down close to 0.8% at Rs 1,208.20.