India World's Largest Vaccine Producer and Global Supplier by Volume: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

Key Highlights:

• India has emerged as the world's largest vaccine producer and global supplier by volume.
• The country accounts for nearly 60% of global vaccine production and meets over 65% of WHO’s routine immunization requirements.
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India's expanded scientific capabilities and vibrant bioeconomy at the CEPI Board and Investors Council meeting in New Delhi.
• India's bioeconomy reached USD 195.3 billion in 2025, with an 18% year-on-year growth.
• The Ind-CEPI Mission has delivered India’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, GEMCOVAC-19, and other vaccine candidates for Chikungunya and Monkeypox.

Detailed Insights:

• India has transformed from primarily affordable vaccine manufacturing to advanced vaccine technologies and complex biological products.
• The nation's diverse disease landscape offers a unique scientific environment for understanding pathogens and developing biomedical solutions.
• The DBT-BIRAC-CEPI partnership aims to strengthen epidemic preparedness and advance India’s R&D capabilities for emerging infectious diseases.
• The BRIC-THSTI Bioassay Laboratory is recognized as one of CEPI’s 17 centralised network laboratories, supporting vaccine development globally.
• Capacity building efforts include advanced Vaccinology Courses and the PACT programme, which trains participants from friendly and neighbouring countries.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI): A global partnership funding and coordinating vaccine development against emerging infectious diseases.
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT): An Indian government department promoting research and development in biotechnology.
• Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC): A Public Sector Undertaking under DBT supporting biotech innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Ind-CEPI Mission: An India-specific mission under CEPI and DBT-BIRAC to strengthen vaccine R&D and epidemic preparedness.
• GEMCOVAC-19: India's first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, developed under the Ind-CEPI Mission.