One of the most significant developments in global healthcare supply chains has been India’s emergence as the “Pharmacy of the World”, with pharmaceutical exports reaching US$30.47 billion in FY2025, marking a 9.4 percent year-on-year growth. This has placed India as the third-largest pharmaceutical producer in terms of volume globally through its contribution of 20 percent of the world’s generic drug exports and an estimated 60 percent of global vaccine supplies. However, it is essential to look beyond these impressive statistics, which reveal the intricate web of strategic interdependencies that extend beyond commercial exchanges and are particularly evident in India’s relations with its South Asian neighbours.
From Aid to Influence: India’s Pharmaceutical Footprint in South Asia
