CPHI & PMEC India unites over 50,000 professionals and global leaders to shape future of pharma industry

The 18th edition of CPHI & PMEC India, organised by Informa Markets in India, commenced at the India Expo Centre & Mart (IEML), Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR, on 25 November, showcasing the robust potential of India's pharmaceutical industry.

Bringing together over 2,000 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from more than 120 countries, including China, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and South Korea, the expo served as a dynamic hub for innovation and collaboration.

Spanning pharma machinery, packaging, analytical instruments, lab & analytical equipment, cleanroom technology, laboratory technologies, ingredients, and beyond, it offers a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage in transformative dialogues and foster strategic partnerships.

From 2026 onward, CPHI and PMEC India will transition into two specialised shows across two locations on consecutive days, a decision shaped by extensive stakeholder feedback. This shift is designed to give each platform the space, focus, and depth it deserves: CPHI at Dwarka will offer a more premium, content-driven environment, while PMEC at IEML will address scale requirements and provide an optimised experience for machinery and technology exhibitors.

Speaking at the event Namit Joshi, Chairman, Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), said, "The global pharmaceutical landscape is shifting rapidly, and India must evolve beyond its traditional generics mindset to remain the pharmacy of the world. The future lies in value-driven innovation—advancing capabilities in peptides, complex generics, biosimilars, biologics, targeted drug delivery systems, and cell and gene therapies. Breakthrough classes such as GLP-1 inhibitors are redefining global health outcomes, and Indian manufacturers are already preparing to enter these high-value segments as patents expire. While building scale in these advanced areas will take the next five to six years, many Indian companies have already taken strong steps forward. What the industry now needs is broader thinking, cross-domain insights, and a more innovation-led approach to strengthen India's role in shaping the next era of global healthcare."

Dr R Chandrashekar Joint Drugs Controller, The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), said "India's pharmaceutical sector is rapidly shifting from a generics-led foundation to an innovation-driven ecosystem, with growing emphasis on biosimilars, peptides, complex generics, and next-generation biologics. This transition is being accelerated by government and CDSCO reforms such as streamlined approvals, reduced regulatory layers, decriminalisation of non-serious offences, and the recommendation of R&D projects worth Rs 5,000 crore. The newly launched Hospital Finance scheme of Rs 1,00,000 crore further strengthens the country's R&D landscape. With these measures, India is well-positioned to evolve from being the pharmacy of the world to an innovation-led pharma nation over the next five years."

Anil Matai, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), said "After firmly establishing itself as the 'Pharmacy to the World,' the country is now transitioning toward becoming a true pharma powerhouse. This shift is supported by enabling regulations, improved processes, and a growing emphasis on innovation, stronger intellectual property protection, and the elimination of patent infringements. These reforms reflect the government's broader vision to 'discover in India, innovate in India, and innovate for the world,' and the first steps toward that future are already visible. The next five years will look very different from the last, driven by greater investment in innovation and a deeper commitment to patient-centricity. While isolated quality lapses have occurred, the industry remains focused on strengthening safeguards to ensure such incidents do not recur, protecting both patient trust and India's global reputation."

The event featured participation from leading companies such as Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Hetero Labs, Oceanic Pharmachem, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Morepen Laboratories, MSN Laboratories, Capsugel Healthcare, Biocon, and Jubilant Ingrevia. On the machinery side, PMEC India featured top players including ACG Pam Pharma Technologies, Cadmach Machinery, Ace Technologies & Packaging Systems, Parle Global Technologies, Klenzaids Contamination Controls, Gansons, Elmach Packages, Shimadzu India, and Snowbell Machines.