Mumbai, Maharashtra (UNA) :
India’s pharmaceutical industry experienced a year of significant highs and lows in 2025 as it confronted supply constraints, geopolitical headwinds and innovation milestones. A persistent shortage of key cough syrup formulations early in the year drew attention to supply chain vulnerabilities, while rising trade tensions with the United States underscored the sector’s exposure to external market dynamics.

Overall movement within the pharma sector was shaped by competing forces — distribution challenges and international regulatory pressures tempered optimism, even as scientific advancements and enhanced R&D investments offered new avenues for growth. Indian drugmakers worked to mitigate shortages while advancing development pipelines in therapeutics and biologics.

The cough syrup shortage was attributed to production bottlenecks and raw material constraints, prompting manufacturers and authorities to increase output and streamline imports to restore adequate market supply. At the same time, pharmaceutical exports to the US faced scrutiny amid evolving trade discussions, encouraging firms to diversify export destinations and engage in dialogue with regulators.

On the innovation front, several Indian companies reported progress in research collaborations and early‑stage breakthroughs in complex drug formulations. These developments signalled a shift toward higher‑value segments and underscored the industry’s growing capacity for scientific contribution beyond generic manufacturing.

Market participants noted that 2025 highlighted both vulnerabilities and opportunities for the Indian pharma landscape. Analysts said that strengthening domestic supply chains, cultivating international partnerships and sustaining investment in research would be central themes as the industry positions itself for long‑term growth and competitiveness.