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World Looks to India for Leadership in Life Sciences, Biotech & medical research: Min Jitendra Singh

Dr. Singh pointed to the country’s pioneering work in gene therapy for hemophilia and the development of the first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin. He also lauded India’s advancements in genomic sequencing, calling it a game-changer in personalized medicine and healthcare.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Mar 25, 2025

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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has asserted that India has firmly established itself as a global player in life sciences and biomanufacturing, driven by groundbreaking advancements in medical research and cost-effective healthcare. 

Speaking at an event organized by the "Friends of GMC Jammu" Society in Jammu on 23 March, Dr. Singh underscored India's progress in biotechnology, genomic sequencing, and indigenous drug development, stressing the importance of collaboration between the government, private industry, and research institutions to further strengthen the sector. He reiterated the government's commitment to innovation in healthcare and biotechnology, describing it as a key driver of India’s future economy.

India’s Biomanufacturing Among Top Three in Asia-Pacific

India’s biomanufacturing sector now ranks among the top three in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting global collaborations, including interest from prominent figures like Bill Gates. Highlighting India’s biotech achievements, Dr. Singh pointed to the country’s pioneering work in gene therapy for hemophilia and the development of the first indigenous antibiotic, Nafithromycin.

He also lauded India’s advancements in genomic sequencing, calling it a game-changer in personalized medicine and healthcare. "The time has come when the world is looking at us for collaboration as our success stories, whether in space or other sectors, have made a mark," Dr. Singh remarked.

Role of Medico-Politicians in Shaping Healthcare Policy

During the event, Dr. Singh felicitated medico MLAs from Jammu and Kashmir, recognizing their contributions to both healthcare and governance. He highlighted the unique role medical professionals play in politics, citing their ethical grounding and service-oriented mindset as essential for leadership.

Dr. Singh, himself a doctor-turned-politician, reflected on how trust in a medical professional often translates into political support. “If you are a popular, sincere, and trusted medical practitioner, people are more likely to support you in public life,” he said.

He urged the medico MLAs to address pressing healthcare and governance challenges, particularly in rural areas. He also advocated for reducing dependence on government-driven solutions and encouraging private sector participation in healthcare, drawing parallels with India’s successful privatization of the space sector.

India BioEconomy Report 2025: A $300 Billion Industry in the Making

On 21st March, Dr. Singh launched the India BioEconomy Report 2025 and the Bio-Sarthi initiative aimed at global mentoring for biotech startups. The report, an annual publication by the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC, tracks India's bioeconomy growth, providing insights for policy and investment decisions.

According to the report, India’s bioeconomy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, nearly doubling from its current size of $165.7 billion in 2024. The sector has experienced a 16-fold growth over the last decade, expanding from $10 billion in 2014. Currently, it contributes 4.25% to India's GDP, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% over the past four years.

“This is just the beginning. India’s bioeconomy can grow to contribute 10-12% of the GDP over the next decade, potentially elevating India into the ranks of the world’s top bio-based economies,” said Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology.

Regional Powerhouses: Maharashtra and Karnataka Lead the Way

The report highlights that Maharashtra and Karnataka have emerged as India’s top biotech hubs, with bioeconomy sizes of $35.5 billion and $32.7 billion respectively, followed by Telangana ($20 billion), Gujarat ($13 billion), and Andhra Pradesh ($11 billion). The southern and western regions account for the lion’s share of the bioeconomy, with South India contributing 45.4% ($75.2 billion) and Western India 30.3% ($50.02 billion).

“This concentration suggests that these states have favorable conditions for biotech innovation, such as robust infrastructure, access to funding, and a skilled talent pool,” the report stated.

Future Growth Drivers: Bio-Medical and Bio-Industrial Sectors

The bio-medical and bio-industrial sectors are expected to be the biggest growth drivers, projected to reach $128 billion and $121 billion respectively by 2030. They will be followed by bio-services ($42.2 billion) and bio-agriculture ($39.3 billion).

The report follows the recent approval of the Bio-E3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment) by the Union Cabinet. The policy aims to boost bio-manufacturing and bio-foundries while fostering skills development for the technology-driven sector.

India’s Pioneering Role in Space Medicine and Vaccine Development

Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s pioneering role in space medicine, making it one of the first countries to engage in this cutting-edge field. He emphasized the Department of Biotechnology’s collaboration with ISRO as a key milestone in advancing research and innovation in space medicine.

He also showcased India’s remarkable achievements in vaccine development, including the success of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as advancements in tuberculosis, malaria, and hemophilia vaccines, further cementing India’s global impact in healthcare. “The world is increasingly looking toward India for leadership in life sciences, biotechnology, and medical research”, Dr. Singh noted.