India emerges as global vaccine powerhouse, can lead next-generation epidemic preparedness: Dr Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) India has emerged as the world’s largest vaccine producer and a major global supplier by volume, with its diverse disease landscape and expanding scientific capabilities offering a unique platform for vaccine research, epidemic preparedness and the development of biomedical solutions for global health, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
Addressing a high-level evening reception for the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Board and Investors Council in New Delhi, Singh said India has moved far beyond the limitations of a decade ago in epidemic preparedness and has built a vibrant bioeconomy, strong vaccine development capabilities and a scientific ecosystem capable of contributing to global preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.
The event was jointly hosted by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and CEPI at the India International Centre. It brought together CEPI leadership, Board and Investors Council members, policymakers, scientists, industry representatives and other stakeholders involved in vaccine development and epidemic preparedness.
The meetings of the CEPI Board and Investors Council in New Delhi come a decade after the organisation’s previous governance meeting was held in India, highlighting the deepening partnership between India and CEPI.
Singh said India has been associated with CEPI since its formative years as a founding member and long-standing strategic partner. He also acknowledged the contribution of scientists and institutions that have played a key role in building the country’s vaccine and biomedical capabilities.
According to the Minister, India’s biotechnology landscape has undergone a major transformation over the past decade. The country’s bioeconomy reached $195.3 billion in 2025, registering 18 per cent year-on-year growth, while its biotech startup ecosystem expanded to 11,855 startups, including 1,780 new startups established during 2025. The biopharma sector alone accounts for nearly 30 per cent of India’s bioeconomy.
Singh said India’s progress is particularly evident in the vaccine sector, where the country has moved beyond its traditional reputation as a producer of affordable vaccines and developed capabilities spanning research, innovation, advanced biologics, clinical development and large-scale manufacturing.
India currently supplies vaccines to more than 100 countries, accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global vaccine production and meets more than 65 per cent of the World Health Organization’s routine immunisation requirements, he said.
–IANS
pk
