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India Reinforces Its Role as the “Pharmacy of the World” at iPHEX 2025

The inaugural discussions focused on regulatory convergence and global collaboration as vital tools for expanding access to affordable, quality medicines. The industry applauded governmental efforts to streamline business processes, ultimately promoting “ease of living” across India and beyond.

• By Newsdesk
• New Delhi
• Sep 05, 2025

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In a landmark address marking the opening of the 11th edition of the International Exhibition on Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare (iPHEX 2025), Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed India’s indispensable role in global healthcare and underscored its commitment to universal access to affordable, high-quality medicines. He celebrated India’s continued leadership as the “Pharmacy of the World” and called for enhanced international collaboration to bolster global health infrastructures and supply chains.

Hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the three-day iPHEX 2025 is being organized by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Themes & Highlights from the Inaugural Session

• The inaugural discussions focused on regulatory convergence and global collaboration as vital tools for expanding access to affordable, quality medicines. The industry applauded governmental efforts to streamline business processes, ultimately promoting “ease of living” across India and beyond.
• Minister Goyal emphasized the government's pledge to facilitate market access, dismantle trade barriers, and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian pharma exporters. He elaborated, “Every child in India deserves high-quality medicines at affordable prices. Our pharma industry is ensuring this not just for India, but for the entire world—making India truly the Pharmacy of the World... This strength will drive our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
• DCGI Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi highlighted India’s evolution from volume-focused output to value-driven innovation. He emphasized India’s trusted reputation in global healthcare supply and affirmed its emerging leadership in innovative pharmaceutical solutions.

Strategic Industry Perspectives

• Namit Joshi, Chairman of Pharmexcil, hailed iPHEX as “India’s most credible global touchpoint for pharmaceutical exports,” providing a reliable platform that bridges policy, regulation, and market opportunity.
• Bhavin Mehta, Chairman of iPHEX and Vice Chairman of Pharmexcil, described iPHEX as a maturing institution aimed at empowering MSMEs, driving market insight, and bolstering compliance. He cited phenomenal growth in pharmaceutical exports—from USD 14.9 billion in FY14 to USD 30.5 billion in FY25, an increase of more than 104%—as proof of the sector’s resilience, innovation, and global credibility.
• Raja Bhanu, DG of Pharmexcil, noted that iPHEX serves year-round as a dynamic vehicle for expanding India’s presence in over 150 countries. It supports curated market access, regulatory dialogue, and sustainable buyer–seller partnerships.

Supporting Government Initiatives
On the sidelines, Dr. H. G. Koshia of the Gujarat FDCA welcomed the government's reduction of GST on healthcare and pharmaceuticals—from slabs of 12% and 18% to 0% and 5%—calling it a vital step toward making healthcare more accessible and fueling the growth of India’s pharmaceutical sector.

Event Features & Strategic Outlook
iPHEX 2025 includes an International Buyer–Seller Meet, an expansive exhibit with more than 700 stalls, and focused sessions showcasing India’s strengths in formulations, biosimilars, bulk drugs, and surgical products. Since its launch in 2013, iPHEX has welcomed over 5,000 international delegates and featured more than 4,000 Indian exhibitors across multiple Indian cities.

Concurrently, the Global Regulatory Conclave, co-hosted by CDSCO and Pharmexcil, is addressing pivotal issues such as reliance-based regulatory frameworks, pharmacopoeia convergence, regulatory navigation for specific markets, and strategies for market expansion—fostering international alignment and accelerating approvals.

With a membership base exceeding 4,679, Pharmexcil continues to drive global trade and policy advocacy in support of India’s pharmaceutical sector, which already commands exports exceeding USD 30 billion annually. iPHEX 2025 is envisioned as a springboard toward realizing India’s ambition of growing export volumes to USD 65 billion by 2030.