CII CRDMO Task Force: Building India’s CRDMO Supremacy Through Collaborative Excellence

Context and Industry Overview

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Committee on Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s healthcare and life sciences landscape. The CII National Committees have been at the forefront of shaping India’s policy landscape and fostering an enabling ecosystem for the growth and global competitiveness of the pharmaceutical sector. Over the years, the Committee has undertaken several strategic initiatives including high-level stakeholder engagements, policy dialogues, and thematic forums, centered around top industry policy priorities such as research and innovations, reforms in pricing framework, quality control, enhancing domestic manufacturing, free trade agreements, and market access.

The Committee membership includes major domestic players such as Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Aurobindo Pharma, Glenmark, Torrent, Laurus Labs, Biocon, Panacea Biotec, Bharat Biotech, Piramal Pharma, Zydus Group, Biological E, and others. Global MNCs like Pfizer, Abbott, Viatris, and several international research and development organizations are also part of the committee, ensuring a strong industry voice across the entire value chain.

India’s CRDMO Sector at an Inflection Point

India’s CRDMO sector stands at a pivotal inflection point. The global CRDMO market is valued at USD 140 -145 billion, with India currently holding a modest market share of 2 – 3 per cent. Projections indicate an opportunity to reach USD 22 – 25 billion by 2035 from a current base of USD 7.3 -16.27 billion. The opportunity is driven by rapid Indian CRDMO market growth at 14–15 per cent CAGR, cost advantages of nearly 30 – 40 per cent compared to Western markets, the world’s largest network of 670 US FDA approved manufacturing facilities outside the United States, and 90 per cent faster project start-up timelines.

Objectives of the Task Force

The key objectives of the Task Force include ecosystem integration by strengthening linkages across the CRDMO value chain; regulatory excellence and reforms through streamlined approval processes and alignment with global regulatory standards; global market expansion; capacity building and innovation; infrastructure development through CRDMO-specific industrial parks; and talent and workforce development to address critical skill gaps.

The Ideation Journey

The formation of the CII CRDMO Task Force builds on the momentum generated during CII’s Industry Roundtable held on 23 July 2025 in Hyderabad. The roundtable convened leaders from the CRDMO sector, academia, regulatory agencies including CDSCO, and policy think tanks to discuss “Building CRDMO Supremacy: Policy, Supply Chain & Global Expansion.” The discussion yielded actionable insights across investment and infrastructure, talent development, regulatory reform, quality and compliance, ancillary ecosystem, and policy advocacy.

The Way Ahead: Task Force Structure and Governance

Membership is open to CRDMO companies, research institutions, technology providers, investors, and ecosystem partners committed to advancing India’s CRDMO landscape. The Task Force will convene regular strategic meetings, roundtables, studies, and policy submissions, while facilitating industry events and stakeholder interactions to monitor progress and support evidence-based decision-making.