The Union Budget 2026‘s emphasis on clinical trials, biopharmaceuticals, medical tourism, and Ayurveda was praised by industry experts on Sunday.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Biopharma Shakti (Strategy for Healthcare Advancement via Knowledge, Technology, and Innovation) program in the Union Budget 2026–2027.

The project, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crores over the next five years, intends to develop India as a worldwide biopharma manufacturing hub.

Additionally, the government announced the upgrading of seven current National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and the establishment of a biopharma-focused network with three new NIPER.

In addition, a network of over 1,000 certified India Clinical Trials sites will be formed, the Finance Minister stated.

“Biologics and biosimilars will be essential to increasing longevity and quality of life as India’s disease burden shifts toward cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.”

According to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, “the Biopharma Shakti initiative, which includes manufacturing scale-up, global-grade regulation, new NIPER institutions, and a nationwide clinical trials network, can firmly position India as a global biopharma manufacturing hub.”

According to Namit Joshi, Chairman of Pharmexcil, “the Biopharma Shakti initiative is intended to build an end-to-end ecosystem for MSMEs to develop and manufacture biologics and biosimilar drugs, which represent the fastest-growing segment of the global pharmaceutical market.”

Supporting a bio-pharma manufacturing ecosystem with consistent public investment sends a strong signal that India is serious about self-reliance in complex pharmaceuticals, according to Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director of the FICCI Healthcare Committee.

“This support will lower costs, increase access, and position India as a global hub for affordable biologics, in addition to accelerating research and production for diabetes and autoimmune conditions,” he continued.

The “Budget aims to take forward India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by creating a network of over 1,000 accredited India Clinical Trials sites, investing in scientific talent through upgrading NIPERs, and augmenting the drug regulator to meet global standards and approval timelines through dedicated scientific review cadre and specialists,” according to Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance.

Ameera Shah, President, NATHEALTH, noted that the announcement of five regional Medical Value Tourism hubs, supported centrally, will further position India as a global healthcare destination and act as a key enabler for growth, while integration of Ayush centres into these hubs will showcase India’s holistic care capabilities.

The experts praised the Budget’s much-needed emphasis on Ayurveda and wellness, as well as its support for patients and businesses.

“These proposals in the areas of biopharma, medical tourism, Ayurveda, wellness, and skills building make this a truly forward-looking Budget that will take India well on its way to achieving the goals of a Viksit Bharat,” stated Sujay Shetty, PwC India‘s partner and leader in health industries.

“The increased allocation of Rs 40,000 crore for electronics component manufacturing is significant for the MedTech sector and will accelerate domestic value addition in medical electronics and diagnostics,” stated Pavan Choudary, Chairman of MTaI.

He noted that investments in sophisticated biopharma production, clinical research infrastructure, district-level oncology treatment, enhanced medical education, and new critical care blocks speak to a balanced approach that connects industrial ambition with patient outcomes.

“Budget 2026 positions India to accelerate its transition from volume‑driven production to value‑driven global leadership in pharmaceuticals, biopharma, and medical devices, with Biopharma Shakti as its anchor and a renewed focus on regulatory and manufacturing reforms and assuring reduced compliances,” said Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD.