India has created a special identity as a pharma hub in the world: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted that the world is looking towards India today for solutions to various global problems. In a video message at the Genomics Data Conclave in Delhi last evening, Mr. Modi said the Genome India Project marks a defining moment in the country’s biotechnology landscape. The Prime Minister noted that the combination of biotechnology and biomass in the 21st century forms a crucial foundation for a developed India as a Bio Economy. He highlighted that in the past 10 years, the bio-economy has jumped from 10 billion dollars to 150 billion dollars today.

The Prime Minister also lauded the release of the Genome India Data, hailing it as a historical step for research and healthcare in the nation. Mr. Modi mentioned that genome sequences of 10 thousand Indians from various groups have been analysed, and its data is now available at the Indian Biological Data Center. This data can be used by researchers, scientists, and scholars across India. 

Mr. Modi highlighted that there is a



significant diversity in the genetic makeup of Indians; thus, understanding the genetic identity of the population is essential to determine effective treatments for particular groups. He emphasized that this information will greatly assist in policy-making and planning for the country.

Mr. Modi highlighted that in the past ten years, special attention has been given to research and innovation in the country. He added that India has created a special identity as a pharma hub in the world. He said that free treatment is being provided to crores of people, and better health infrastructure is being provided. 

During the event, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh released the Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols and launched the IBDC Data Access Portal. Dr. Singh said that the last decade has been a game-changer for biotechnology in India. He noted that the country is aiming for a one-million genome program, including specific disease cohorts.