US tariff plan wakes up Indian pharma to diversify, innovate: Experts

India's pharmaceutical industry should treat the proposed US tariffs on imported generic medicines as a wake-up call to reduce dependence on a single export market, diversify globally and accelerate innovation while ensuring uninterrupted access to affordable medicines, industry leaders and healthcare experts said.
US President Donald Trump has announced a phased tariff framework under which imported generic medicines will continue to attract zero tariffs until August 1, 2028, before facing a 100 per cent tariff for one year and a 200 per cent tariff from August 1, 2029.
The proposal, aimed at encouraging drug manufacturing in the US, has triggered a debate within India's pharmaceutical sector over its long-term implications.
Nikhil K Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, described the proposed tariffs as an opportunity for long-term strategic transformation, rather than merely a trade challenge.
"The finer details of the proposed US tariffs on generic drugs are still unclear, but