India’s API Exports Surpass Imports in FY25, Marking Shift Toward Self-Reliance in Pharma Raw Materials
India exported active pharmaceutical ingredients worth Rs 41,500 crore in FY25, exceeding imports for the first time in years and signalling stronger domestic manufacturing capacity
- By PharmaNews Live Desk
- New Delhi
- Mar 10, 2026
India’s exports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) reached ₹41,500 crore in the financial year 2024–25, surpassing imports valued at ₹39,215 crore, marking a significant development in the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.
The figures were highlighted by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda, who noted that the milestone reflects India’s growing capacity to strengthen domestic production of pharmaceutical raw materials.
According to the minister, the shift indicates progress in reducing dependence on imported APIs and strengthening India’s position within the global pharmaceutical supply chain.
Policy push to strengthen domestic API production
The development comes amid sustained policy efforts by the government to boost local manufacturing of critical pharmaceutical inputs.
India has introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic production of APIs, including production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and the establishment of bulk drug parks designed to support large-scale manufacturing of pharmaceutical raw materials.
These measures were launched in response to concerns about heavy reliance on imported APIs, particularly from overseas markets that have historically dominated the supply of pharmaceutical intermediates and key starting materials.
Officials say expanding domestic manufacturing capacity is essential to ensure supply chain resilience and long-term competitiveness for India’s pharmaceutical industry.
Strengthening India’s global pharmaceutical footprint
India is widely recognised as one of the world’s largest suppliers of generic medicines and vaccines, exporting pharmaceutical products to more than 200 countries.
Strengthening API manufacturing is considered a critical step in reinforcing this position, as it ensures that India’s pharmaceutical sector remains less dependent on external sources for essential raw materials.
Industry observers note that the latest export figures indicate a gradual shift toward a more integrated pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem in which domestic production increasingly supports the country’s global export strength.
A step toward pharmaceutical self-reliance
The rise in API exports over imports is therefore being viewed as an important indicator of India’s efforts to build a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain.
With continued policy support and industry investment, the API segment is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and expanding its global footprint in the years ahead.