THEMATIC PAGE · 07 OF 08
Health & pharma.
India as pharmacy to the world. Covers generic medicine exports, vaccine diplomacy through Vaccine Maitri, pharmaceutical manufacturing partnerships, and health security cooperation.
41
Country partners
4
Sub-themes
8
Active frameworks
BY SUB-THEME · PARTNER COUNT
41 countries cooperating with India on health & pharma
SHOWING 41 OF 41
Each card shows the headline framework or programme.
United States
NORTH AMERICA
Largest pharma export market — $8bn; FDA approvals; generic supply
The United States is India's largest pharmaceutical export market at $8bn annually. Indian generics supply 40% of all generic prescriptions in the US market. India has the highest number of FDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the US (over 700 facilities). Under iCET, India and the US are cooperating on advanced biotech, personalised medicine, and health security. The US-India Health Dialogue covers pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and supply chain resilience.
United Kingdom
EUROPE
NHS generic supply; Indian doctors in NHS; health MOU
India is the single largest source of generics for the UK's NHS — Indian pharmaceutical companies supply over £1bn of medicines annually. India is also the largest source of doctors in the NHS (over 30,000 Indian-qualified doctors). Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's, and Cipla are major NHS suppliers. The India-UK Health Partnership covers antimicrobial resistance, health workforce, and pharmaceutical supply chain resilience. UK-India MoU on healthcare was signed in 2022.
South Africa
AFRICA
TRIPS waiver champion; Indian generics dominate; HIV/AIDS treatment
South Africa and India co-led the TRIPS waiver campaign at the WTO to enable COVID-19 vaccine production in developing countries — a landmark moment for global health equity. Indian generics are the backbone of South Africa's public health system, particularly for HIV/AIDS treatment. South Africa's Competition Commission decisions on pharmaceutical pricing directly impact Indian generic exports. India-South Africa health cooperation covers traditional medicine, vaccine manufacturing, and health system strengthening.
Kenya
AFRICA
East Africa pharma hub; Indian generic supply; Nairobi manufacturing
Kenya is the East African hub for Indian pharmaceutical distribution. Indian generic companies — Cipla Quality Chemical (Nairobi plant), Strides, and others — have manufacturing presence in Kenya. Kenyan public health programmes (HIV, malaria, TB) are overwhelmingly supplied by Indian generics. India-Kenya health MOU covers pharmaceutical manufacturing, traditional medicine, and health workforce training. Kenya is the gateway for Indian pharma into the EAC market.
United Arab Emirates
WEST ASIA
Dubai pharma hub; Ayush diplomacy; Indian doctors in UAE hospitals
UAE is a major regional hub for Indian pharmaceutical distribution — Dubai's JAFZA hosts Indian pharma warehousing and distribution. Indian doctors and nurses are the backbone of UAE's healthcare system. Ayurveda and yoga are officially recognised under UAE-India CEPA's services chapter. India-UAE health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation harmonisation, traditional medicine, and health tourism. UAE's Mediclinic and NMC hospitals employ thousands of Indian medical professionals.
Germany
EUROPE
Biotech and pharma collaboration; Indian generic exports; Bayer-India
Germany is India's largest European pharmaceutical trading partner. Indian generics supply German hospitals and community pharmacies. German pharma companies (Bayer, Merck KGaA, Boehringer Ingelheim) have manufacturing and R&D partnerships in India. India-Germany health cooperation covers biotech, medical devices, and health digitalisation. German health insurance funds are exploring Indian medical tourism.
Japan
EAST ASIA
API supply chain; PMDA-CDSCO cooperation; Japanese pharma in India
India is Japan's primary source of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) — a supply chain vulnerability exposed by COVID-19. India-Japan pharmaceutical cooperation covers API supply security, regulatory harmonisation between PMDA (Japan) and CDSCO (India), and joint R&D. Japanese pharma companies (Daiichi Sankyo, Astellas, Takeda) have Indian operations. Japan imports Indian biosimilars. India-Japan health security dialogue covers pandemic preparedness.
Australia
OCEANIA
Indian generic exports; TGA-CDSCO harmonisation; medical tourism
India exports over $500m of pharmaceuticals to Australia annually. Regulatory harmonisation between TGA (Australia) and CDSCO (India) is under the ECTA/CECA framework. Australian hospitals employ significant numbers of Indian-trained doctors and nurses. India-Australia health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply chain, medical technology, and health security. Indian medical tourism receives Australian patients for cardiac and orthopaedic procedures.
Russia
EURASIA
Sputnik V — Bharat Biotech collaboration; Indian generic exports
India-Russia vaccine cooperation reached its peak with the Bharat Biotech licence to produce Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. Indian pharmaceutical companies export generics to Russia — a market that expanded significantly after Western sanctions reduced Russian access to European medicines. Russia's state pharma companies are developing partnerships with Indian manufacturers. India-Russia health MOU covers traditional medicine (Ayush-RAMS collaboration) and pharmaceutical trade.
Saudi Arabia
WEST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; Indian doctors and nurses; health city investment
Saudi Arabia is India's largest pharma export market in the Gulf. Indian doctors and nurses are central to the Saudi healthcare system — employed in King Fahad Medical City and other flagship hospitals. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 health transformation programme seeks Indian expertise in hospital management, telemedicine, and Ayurvedic wellness. Indian pharmaceutical companies are establishing Saudi manufacturing as part of Vision 2030's localisation.
France
EUROPE
Sanofi-India partnership; biotech R&D; vaccine production collaboration
France's Sanofi is one of the largest international pharma companies operating in India — manufacturing polio vaccines and developing partnerships for next-generation biologics. India-France health cooperation covers biotech R&D, rare disease treatment, and pandemic preparedness. Pasteur Institute collaborations with Indian research institutes are active. France imports Indian active pharmaceutical ingredients for its domestic production.
Singapore
SOUTH EAST ASIA
ASEAN health hub; Indian medical tourists; biotech investment
Singapore is Southeast Asia's premium healthcare hub — a destination for Indian patients seeking specialist care (particularly from South India). Singapore biotech companies are investing in Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing. Indian pharma companies use Singapore as an ASEAN distribution hub. India-Singapore health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation, health technology assessment, and digital health. Singapore's A*STAR collaborates with Indian research institutes.
Brazil
LATIN AMERICA
Indian generics in SUS; COVID vaccines; IBSA health cooperation
Brazil's public health system (SUS — Sistema Único de Saúde) relies heavily on Indian generic medicines. During COVID-19, India supplied vaccines to Brazil under Vaccine Maitri. Brazil-India IBSA health working group covers pharmaceutical regulation, traditional medicine, and health equity. Indian generic companies export HIV, diabetes, and cardiac medications to Brazil. Brazilian Fiocruz and Indian Serum Institute have vaccine production collaboration discussions.
Nigeria
AFRICA
West Africa pharma hub; Indian generics; local manufacturing FDI
Nigerian public health — malaria, HIV, TB — is overwhelmingly supplied by Indian generics. Indian pharmaceutical companies are establishing Lagos manufacturing plants to serve the ECOWAS market. NAFDAC (Nigeria's FDA) and CDSCO are harmonising regulatory standards. India-Nigeria health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply, medical training, and traditional medicine. India exports over $500m of medicines to Nigeria annually.
Ethiopia
AFRICA
Indian pharma plants in Addis; vaccine supply; health workforce
Indian pharmaceutical companies have established manufacturing in Ethiopia's industrial parks. Ethiopia is a major recipient of Indian vaccine exports — including COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri. Indian doctors and nurses serve in Ethiopian hospitals under bilateral arrangements. India-Ethiopia health MOU covers pharmaceutical manufacturing, traditional medicine, and health workforce development.
Tanzania
AFRICA
Indian pharma exports; TFDA-CDSCO; malaria and HIV treatment
India is Tanzania's primary pharmaceutical supplier — malaria, HIV, and TB treatment regimens are overwhelmingly Indian generics. Tanzania Food and Drug Authority (TFDA) and CDSCO cooperation covers regulatory harmonisation. Indian medical professionals serve in Tanzanian hospitals. India provides ITEC training for Tanzanian pharmacists and healthcare workers. Indian pharma companies are exploring Dar es Salaam manufacturing.
Ghana
AFRICA
Indian generics in NHIS; vaccine supply; health professional training
Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) medicine list is dominated by Indian generics — covering malaria, HIV, maternal health, and non-communicable diseases. India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to Ghana under Vaccine Maitri via COVAX. ITEC health training covers medical education and pharmaceutical skills. Indian pharmaceutical companies export over $200m to Ghana annually.
Zambia
AFRICA
Indian generics for HIV; Cipla Zambia; ITEC health training
Zambia has one of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates — antiretroviral treatment is almost entirely supplied by Indian generics, particularly from Cipla. Cipla Quality Chemicals has a Lusaka manufacturing facility. India-Zambia health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply, manufacturing, and traditional medicine. ITEC scholarships train Zambian pharmacists and healthcare workers.
Mozambique
AFRICA
Indian generic supply; vaccine delivery; health system support
Mozambique's healthcare system depends on Indian generic medicines for HIV, malaria, and TB treatment. India supplied COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri. Indian pharmaceutical companies are exploring Maputo manufacturing opportunities. ITEC training supports Mozambican health workers. India-Mozambique health MOU is being developed.
Uganda
AFRICA
Indian generics; Cipla Uganda; HIV treatment backbone
Uganda's HIV treatment programme is sustained almost entirely by Indian antiretrovirals. Cipla has a manufacturing presence in Uganda. India supplied COVID vaccines under Vaccine Maitri. Indian doctors and nurses serve in Ugandan hospitals. ITEC health training is active. India-Uganda health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply and traditional medicine.
Vietnam
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; traditional medicine exchange; health MOU
India exports pharmaceuticals to Vietnam — generics for infectious diseases and chronic conditions. Vietnam's traditional medicine (traditional Vietnamese medicine) has exchange potential with Ayush. India-Vietnam health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation, traditional medicine, and health workforce. Vietnam imports Indian medical devices and diagnostic equipment. Indian pharmaceutical companies are exploring Ho Chi Minh City distribution.
Indonesia
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian generics; Jamu-Ayurveda cooperation; health manufacturing
Indonesia imports Indian generic medicines for its JKN (national health insurance) programme. Indonesian traditional medicine (Jamu) and Indian Ayurveda have formal cooperation channels under the Ayush MOU. Indian pharmaceutical companies are exploring Indonesia manufacturing for the ASEAN market. India-Indonesia health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation and traditional medicine.
Malaysia
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; traditional Indian medicine in Tamil community
India exports pharmaceuticals to Malaysia — generics for HIV, diabetes, and cardiac conditions. Malaysia's large Indian-Tamil community sustains Ayurveda and Siddha practice, creating demand for Indian traditional medicine products. Malaysian hospitals employ Indian-trained medical professionals. India-Malaysia health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation and traditional medicine.
Philippines
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian generics for PhilHealth; vaccine export; FDA-CDSCO
Philippines' PhilHealth (national health insurance) medicine list includes significant Indian generics. India exported COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines under Vaccine Maitri. FDA Philippines and CDSCO are cooperating on regulatory standards. Indian pharmaceutical companies export antibiotics, antiretrovirals, and cardiovascular medicines to the Philippines.
Bangladesh
SOUTH ASIA
API exports; medical tourism in Kolkata; DGDA-CDSCO cooperation
Bangladesh is both a recipient and increasingly a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals. India exports APIs and finished medicines; Bangladesh's pharma industry (Square, Incepta) competes with and sources from Indian suppliers. Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis seek medical care in Kolkata and Chennai — making India Bangladesh's top medical tourism destination. DGDA (Bangladesh) and CDSCO are harmonising regulatory standards.
Sri Lanka
SOUTH ASIA
Indian pharma exports; medical tourism; 2022 crisis medicine supply
India is Sri Lanka's primary pharmaceutical supplier. During the 2022 economic crisis, India supplied emergency medicines and medical equipment on credit. Indian hospitals (Apollo, Fortis) receive Sri Lankan medical tourists. India-Sri Lanka health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation, traditional medicine, and health workforce. CDSCO-NMRA (Sri Lanka) regulatory cooperation is active.
Nepal
SOUTH ASIA
Indian pharma and medical care; AIIMS Rishikesh-Nepal partnership
Nepal is almost entirely dependent on Indian pharmaceuticals. AIIMS institutions (Rishikesh, Delhi) treat large numbers of Nepali patients. Indian hospitals are Nepal's primary destination for complex medical care. India-Nepal health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply, medical education, and traditional medicine. Indian medical teams provide humanitarian healthcare in remote Nepali regions.
Egypt
NORTH AFRICA
Indian pharma exports; Vaccine Maitri; traditional medicine
India exports pharmaceuticals to Egypt — generics for chronic diseases and infectious conditions. Egypt received COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri. India-Egypt health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation, traditional medicine (Ayurveda-Unani cooperation), and health workforce. Egyptian patients travel to India for cardiac and oncology treatment. Indian pharma companies are exploring Egypt's MENA manufacturing potential.
Jordan
WEST ASIA
Indian generics; medical tourism; pharma export hub
Jordan is both a market for Indian pharmaceuticals and a re-export hub for Indian medicines into the wider Arab world. Indian generic companies export to Jordan's sophisticated private healthcare sector. Jordanian patients come to India for cardiac and oncology treatment. India-Jordan health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation and medical tourism. Jordan's pharma regulatory framework (JFDA) is harmonising with international standards.
Maldives
SOUTH ASIA
India essential medicine supplier; AIIMS Maldives project; health MOU
India is the Maldives' sole source of essential medicines. AIIMS is providing technical assistance to establish a medical college in the Maldives — reducing dependence on sending students abroad. Indian doctors serve in Maldivian hospitals. Maldivian patients access India's tertiary hospitals for complex care. India-Maldives health MOU covers pharmaceutical supply, health workforce, and health infrastructure.
Myanmar
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; traditional medicine; Act East health cooperation
India is Myanmar's primary pharmaceutical supplier. Traditional medicine exchanges under Ayush-Myanmar Ministry of Health cover Ayurveda, Siddha, and Myanmar traditional medicine. ITEC health training supports Myanmar healthcare workers. The 2021 coup has constrained bilateral health cooperation but pharmaceutical trade continues. Act East health cooperation covers border health and disease surveillance.
Kazakhstan
CENTRAL ASIA
Indian generic exports; pharmaceutical manufacturing cooperation
Indian generics dominate Kazakhstan's pharmaceutical imports — covering antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, and oncology medicines. Indian pharmaceutical companies (Dr Reddy's, Lupin) are expanding in the Kazakhstan-Central Asia market. India-Kazakhstan health MOU covers pharmaceutical regulation, traditional medicine, and health workforce training. Kazakhstan's medical education system trains some Indian students.
Cambodia
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; ITEC health training; traditional medicine
India exports pharmaceuticals to Cambodia — generics for malaria, HIV, and tropical diseases. ITEC scholarships train Cambodian pharmacists and healthcare workers. Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) exchanges with Cambodian traditional medicine are developing. India provides development assistance for Cambodia's health infrastructure. Cambodia's Buddhist heritage creates a cultural connection for Ayurvedic wellness.
Laos
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Indian pharma exports; ITEC health capacity building
India exports pharmaceuticals to Laos — particularly generics for malaria and infectious diseases. ITEC scholarships support Laotian health worker training in India. India provides development assistance for health infrastructure. Laos-India traditional medicine exchanges are nascent but developing under the Ayush framework.
Cuba
LATIN AMERICA
Biotech exchange; Cuba vaccines and Indian pharma; NAM solidarity
Cuba's world-class biotech industry — cancer vaccines (CIMAvax), interferon, and biologics — has collaboration potential with India's pharmaceutical sector. India-Cuba health cooperation spans decades of NAM solidarity. Cuban doctors and Indian medicines have complementary strengths. India imports Cuban biotech research; Cuba imports Indian generic APIs. Cuba's dengue and meningitis vaccines are of interest for tropical disease applications in India.
Mexico
LATIN AMERICA
Indian pharma exports; COFEPRIS-CDSCO; traditional medicine
India exports pharmaceuticals to Mexico — generics for the IMSS (Mexican social security health system). COFEPRIS (Mexico's FDA) and CDSCO are developing regulatory harmonisation. Indian pharmaceutical companies see Mexico as a gateway to the broader Latin American market. Traditional medicine exchanges (Ayurveda-Mexican herbal medicine) are nascent.
Argentina
LATIN AMERICA
Indian generics; IBSA health; yoga and Ayurveda community
India exports pharmaceuticals to Argentina — generics for Argentina's national health programme. IBSA health working group coordinates India-South Africa-Brazil-Argentina health cooperation. Argentina's large yoga and Ayurveda community creates demand for Indian wellness products and traditional medicine services. India-Argentina ANMAT-CDSCO cooperation on pharmaceutical regulation is developing.
Colombia
LATIN AMERICA
Indian pharma exports; INVIMA-CDSCO cooperation; biosimilars
India exports pharmaceutical products to Colombia — generics and biosimilars for Colombia's national health system. INVIMA (Colombia's pharma regulator) and CDSCO cooperation is developing. Indian biosimilar companies see Colombia as a key Latin American market. Colombia's Pacific Alliance membership links it to India's ASEAN-plus trade framework for health products.
Canada
NORTH AMERICA
Generics trade; TRIPS flexibilities; pharma R&D diaspora
India-Canada health engagement spans generic drug exports, joint research, and diaspora-driven pharmaceutical investment. Canada imports Indian generics through its national pharmacare framework. Indian pharma companies partner with Canadian biotech firms on biosimilar and oncology pipelines. TRIPS flexibilities and compulsory licensing are areas of shared multilateral interest.
China
EAST ASIA
API dependence — strategic vulnerability in pharma supply chain
China supplies 65–70% of India's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) — a strategic vulnerability highlighted during COVID-19. India is investing in domestic API parks (Production Linked Incentive scheme) to reduce dependence. Bilateral health dialogue is limited post-2020 border tensions but supply chain interdependence persists.
Switzerland
EUROPE
Novartis, Roche ties; IP tensions; WHO co-governance
Switzerland is home to Novartis and Roche — two of the world's largest pharma MNCs that have significant India operations. IP protection and compulsory licensing have historically been points of friction. Switzerland and India cooperate at WHO on pandemic preparedness and access-to-medicines negotiations.