India seeks leadership in global vaccine and epidemic preparedness

India is positioning itself to lead in next-generation vaccine research and global epidemic preparedness, according to Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh. Speaking at a high-level reception in New Delhi hosted by the Department of Biotechnology and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Singh noted that the nation has transitioned from a major manufacturer to a critical contributor to the global architecture for pandemic response.

India currently accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global vaccine production and supplies vaccines to more than 100 countries. The country also meets over 65 per cent of the World Health Organization’s routine immunization requirements. This growth is supported by a rapidly expanding biotechnology sector; the Indian bioeconomy reached $195.3 billion in 2025, reflecting an 18 per cent year-on-year growth rate. The nation's biotech startup ecosystem has also expanded significantly, reaching 11,855 startups.