India to Play a Pivotal Role in Global Biotechnology Revolution by 2025, Modi Government’s First Biotechnology Policy BIO-E3 Sets the Stage

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has declared that 2025 will be a landmark year for India as it assumes a critical role in the global biotechnology revolution. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News on the New Year, Dr. Singh revealed that the Modi Government 3.0 has introduced India’s first Biotechnology Policy, BIO-E3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment, and Environment), which lays the foundation for this transformative journey.

Achievements in Biotechnology:

Dr. Singh highlighted the remarkable progress India has achieved in biotechnology over the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized that biotechnology will be a cornerstone of India’s future, driven by innovation, technological advancements, and a strong commitment to startups.
Prime Minister Modi’s vision has consistently prioritized innovation and technology, transforming India into a global biotechnology powerhouse,” said Dr. Singh. He added, “Biotechnology is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and India is ready to take a leading role.”

Significance of the BIO-E3 Policy:

Dr. Singh described the newly approved BIO-E3 Policy as a game-changer for India’s biotechnology sector. The policy, endorsed by the Union Cabinet, aims to enhance India’s economic growth, employment generation, and environmental sustainability.

India’s Biotechnology Sector: Key Milestones:

• Growth Surge: From $10 billion in 2014 to $130 billion in 2024, with a projection of $300 billion by 2030.
• Vaccine Leadership: India contributes 60% of the world’s vaccine production.
• Manufacturing Excellence: India houses the second-largest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing facilities outside the United States.

Major Initiatives in Biotechnology:

• The world’s largest vaccination drive during the COVID-19 pandemic and the development of a DNA-based indigenous vaccine.
• Creation of the world’s first HPV vaccine and the indigenous antibiotic ‘Nafithromycin’ for respiratory diseases.
• Successful gene therapy trials for Hemophilia.
• Enhanced focus on innovation through initiatives like Mission Suraksha and the Deep Sea Mission.

Boosting Startups and Innovation: Dr. Singh praised Indian startups for leveraging biotechnology to develop innovative and sustainable products, such as non-human milk substitutes and eco-friendly solutions.

India’s Bright Future: Dr. Singh asserted that India no longer follows other countries in technology and innovation but has emerged as a global leader, inspiring the world. He pointed to India’s advancements in quantum technology and space science as examples of this leadership. The Minister announced that an Indian-origin astronaut would soon be sent to the US Space Station, marking another significant milestone in India’s growing dominance in space technology.