India, May 24 -- India is uniquely positioned to lead the global response to health threats, provided timely investments are made in its pharmaceutical capabilities. The country's ability to produce affordable medicines at scale, coupled with its untapped potential for innovation, positions it to evolve beyond its role as the pharmacy to the world and into an innovation hub. Such a transformation can address the unmet needs of the Global South, which often lacks access to life-saving solutions like vaccines.

India's pharmaceutical sector demonstrated unmatched agility during the Covid-19 pandemic. Producing over 60% of the global vaccine supply, including Covaxin and Covishield, India exported essential drugs and vaccines to more than 15...