India Leads in Vaccine Production, Hosts 2nd Largest USFDA Plants

India now represents 60% of worldwide vaccine production and hosts the second-highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the United States. As investment prospects expand in areas like Bio-Pharma, Bio-Agri, Bio-Industrial, Bio-Energy, Bio-Services, and Med-Tech, India is becoming a worldwide frontrunner in biotechnology.

India's biotechnology industry has seen remarkable expansion, soaring from a $10 billion sector in 2014 to more than $130 billion in 2024, with expectations to hit $300 billion by 2030. As Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out, “India is not only a leader in biotechnology but is now at the center of a global biotech boom, which will foster innovation, create jobs, and strengthen environmental commitments.”

Dr. Jitendra Singh additionally likened the current “Bio-revolution” in India to the IT revolution led by the West, emphasizing that the nation’s abundant natural and biodiversity assets are crucial for its biotechnology achievements. He also commended the initiatives of Indian startups utilizing biotechnology to develop innovative solutions like non-animal milk and various sustainable products.

The Union Minister reminisced about the initiation of the Mission Suraksha program, which resulted in the creation of homegrown DNA-based vaccines and the largest vaccination campaign globally during the Covid-19 crisis. In 2024, India's biotechnology industry has witnessed significant milestones, including the advancement of the first HPV vaccine globally and the pioneering development of the homegrown antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin,’ which has shown efficacy in treating respiratory illnesses. Additionally, the Department of Biotechnology has effectively created a gene therapy trial for Haemophilia.