Pharma’s strategic shift in 2026 towards sustainable manufacturing – BioSpectrum India

Pharmaceutical Industry Leaders Emphasize Quality, Sustainability, and Market Diversification as Export Priorities for 2026

Overview of the 21st Annual General Meeting of Pharmexcil

On December 29, 2025, the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) held its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking a pivotal moment in India’s pharmaceutical export sector. The meeting highlighted a strategic shift from volume-led growth towards value-driven, innovation-focused, and sustainability-centered manufacturing practices.

Strategic Focus Areas Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The AGM discussions underscored several key priorities that align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):

1. Transition to Complex Generics and Specialty APIs: The industry is moving towards manufacturing advanced therapeutic platforms, enhancing the quality and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
2. Adoption of Green and Sustainable Chemistry: Emphasis was placed on flow chemistry and continuous manufacturing techniques, which support environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
3. Quality and Compliance Enhancement: Ensuring consistent product quality to meet rising global standards, thereby promoting sustainable industrial development.
4. Market Diversification: Expanding into new international markets to foster economic growth and global health improvements.

Milestones and Industry Achievements in 2025

• iPHEX at Bharat Mandapam: The global pharmaceutical exhibition served as a flagship event, successfully connecting Indian exporters with international buyers and reinforcing global confidence in India’s pharmaceutical capabilities.
• Value-Driven Growth Emphasis: The focus shifted from quantity to quality, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Leadership Insights and Future Directions

Namit Joshi, Chairman of Pharmexcil, articulated the vision for the Indian pharmaceutical sector’s future, emphasizing the critical role of sustainability and quality in export growth:

• Prioritizing value-driven growth anchored in quality, compliance, and sustainability.
• Equipping exporters to meet global expectations on product complexity and environmental responsibility.
• Pharmexcil’s commitment to facilitating this transition through:
• Policy alignment with international standards.
• Capability building initiatives.
• Enhanced global engagement and partnerships.

Conclusion

The 21st AGM of Pharmexcil reflects a significant alignment of India’s pharmaceutical export strategy with the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and quality, the industry is poised to contribute meaningfully to global health, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in 2026 and beyond.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on the pharmaceutical industry’s role in improving health through advanced therapeutic platforms and quality medicines.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Emphasis on innovation-oriented manufacturing, complex generics, speciality APIs, and advanced therapeutic platforms aligns with fostering innovation and resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on sustainability, green chemistry, flow chemistry, and continuous manufacturing highlights responsible production practices.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The global exhibition (iPHEX) bringing exporters and international buyers together reflects partnerships and global engagement.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential medicines and vaccines.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, and promote innovation.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency.
3. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Quality and Compliance Indicators
   • Measures of pharmaceutical product quality, regulatory compliance, and adherence to international standards.
2. Innovation and Technological Advancement Indicators
   • Number or share of pharmaceutical products using advanced therapeutic platforms, complex generics, or speciality APIs.
   • Adoption rates of green chemistry techniques such as flow chemistry and continuous manufacturing.
3. Sustainability Indicators
   • Extent of sustainable manufacturing practices implemented in the pharmaceutical sector.
   • Reduction in environmental impact or waste generation from pharmaceutical manufacturing.
4. Trade and Partnership Indicators
   • Volume and value of pharmaceutical exports facilitated through global exhibitions like iPHEX.
   • Number of international partnerships and collaborations formed.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: biospectrumindia.com