India’s pharmaceutical exports increased nearly 5% to ₹1.53 lakh crore (US$16.13 billion) during the first half of FY27, according to data released by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil). Strong demand from Europe, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Latin America supported this growth. During the second quarter of FY27, pharmaceutical exports rose 3.05% to ₹76,145.73 crore (US$8.04 billion). Meanwhile, September recorded the highest monthly export value of ₹25,988.52 crore (US$2.74 billion), registering 4.68% year-on-year (YoY) growth.
Europe Leads Growth in Pharmaceutical Exports
Europe emerged as a major growth market for Indian pharmaceutical products. Exports to the region increased 9.66% to ₹31,142.75 crore (US$3.29 billion), accounting for 20.38% of India’s total pharmaceutical exports. Similarly, shipments to ASEAN markets recorded strong growth of 21.54%, while exports to Latin America and the Caribbean increased 16.58%. Africa also registered a 6.48% rise in pharmaceutical imports from India. These gains across key international markets helped sustain overall export growth.
Drug Formulations and Bulk Drugs Drive Export Performance
Drug formulations and biologicals remained the largest export category, contributing 73.84% of India’s total pharmaceutical shipments and recording 3.81% growth. Additionally, bulk drugs and drug intermediates registered a stronger increase of 12.07%, while surgical exports grew 9.53%. The performance highlights the growing contribution of India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities across multiple product segments.
Pharmexcil Highlights Opportunities in High-Value Medicines
Commenting on the export performance, Pharmexcil Chairman Namit Joshi said India has established a strong global reputation for quality, affordable medicines and large-scale manufacturing. However, he emphasised that the next phase of growth must focus on moving up the pharmaceutical value chain. He identified Europe as a significant opportunity for Indian companies to expand into the co-development of complex generics, biosimilars and specialised therapies. As reported by ibef.org, Pharmexcil Vice Chairman Bhavin Mehta said the double-digit growth in bulk drugs and intermediates reflects the strength and diversity of India’s domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. He also emphasised that continued investment in quality systems will help Indian pharmaceutical exporters strengthen their global presence and participate in higher-value international markets.
