UK Wants To Deepen Pharma Partnership With India

Speaking at the Pharma Conclave 2026 organised by The Secretariat in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, Hickling said, "We remain committed to supporting partnerships between UK and Indian companies by facilitating technology collaboration, enabling market access, and connecting the right partners across our economies."

Hickling further said the partnership was more vividly illustrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when India and the UK worked together to develop and manufacture the COVID vaccine at scale. “That collaboration with AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute was historic,” he said.

He said, “The UK and India share a long-standing partnership in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and there is a significant opportunity to deepen this collaboration through innovation, research and manufacturing."

Both countries continue to advance in innovation, research, and manufacturing excellence. There is a significant opportunity to deepen this partnership, Hickling said.

Globally, India ranks third in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th in terms of value. 

We remain committed to supporting partnerships between UK and Indian companies by facilitating technology collaboration, enabling market access, and connecting the right partners across our economies

The recent India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) provides zero-duty access on 56 pharmaceutical tariff lines and broader preferential access under the UK’s commitment to eliminate tariffs on 99.6% of Indian exports by value.

The agreement also seeks to improve regulatory cooperation and market access while preserving India’s ability to manufacture affordable generic medicines by excluding patent-term extensions and data exclusivity provisions and retaining TRIPS safeguards such as compulsory licensing.

India is the largest provider of generic drugs globally and is renowned for its affordable vaccines and high-quality medicines.

Over the years, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has evolved into a vibrant sector. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is currently valued at around US$ 60 billion, and estimates suggest the sector could grow to US$ 130 billion by 2030.

According to the Commerce Ministry, India’s pharmaceutical exports reached US$ 30.47 billion in FY25, registering a growth of about 9.4% over the previous year.

India is also one of the world’s largest suppliers of generic medicines and accounts for roughly one-fifth of global generic drug supplies by volume, earning it the reputation of being the “pharmacy of the world.”