Experts said that AI will play a key role in speeding up drug discovery, supporting precision medicine, and building a more advanced, innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem.

Pharma industry leaders stressed the need to rethink processes rather than simply digitising existing systems. They also underlined the importance of strong data and technology infrastructure to support large-scale AI adoption, highlighting how automation can improve efficiency in clinical operations.

The first day of the 9th ‘India Pharma 2026’ featured four major plenary sessions that brought together policymakers, industry experts, regulators, and technology leaders to discuss the future of India’s pharmaceutical and life sciences sector.

The inaugural session focused on the need to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world implementation.

Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the importance of an industry-led R&D model, strengthening government laboratory networks, and aligning regulatory frameworks with European standards.

Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research, noted that although research funding has increased significantly in recent years, India needs a “Bharat model” of R&D built on market trust in innovators and stronger collaboration between industry and academia.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, industry leaders called for greater venture capital participation and co-funding mechanisms to support research-based enterprises. They also emphasised stronger industry-academia partnerships and integrated ecosystems to convert early-stage research into global solutions.

The second plenary session discussed the need for a predictable, efficient, and globally aligned regulatory framework.

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India, highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultations in building responsive regulatory systems.

The third session explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the pharmaceutical value chain.

The fourth session focused on India’s expanding role in the global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) sector.

The panel noted that India’s CRDMO industry, currently valued at around $8 billion, has been growing at 10–12% annually, reflecting strong global demand for outsourcing.

With Inputs From IANS

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Experts said AI will play a key role in speeding up drug discovery, enabling precision medicine, and building a smarter, innovation-led healthcare system.
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