India stands at a crossroads in the global clinical trials market. Despite its vast and diverse patient pool, cost-effective medical ecosystem, and expanding hospital network, the country holds a mere 8 per cent share in global trials, significantly lagging behind China’s 29 per cent and America’s 25 per cent. If India truly aims to establish itself as a global leader in pharmaceutical research, it must urgently reform its regulatory framework, streamline approval processes, and embrace innovative patient recruitment strategies. China’s rise as a clinical trial hub is no accident.

It strategically relaxed regulatory constraints, encouraged innovation, and aligned policies with global best practices. As a result, pharmaceutical companies flocked to conduct trials in China, fuelling its dominance in the sector. Australia, on the other hand used tax breaks to attract global pharma firms, making it another preferred destination for early-phase trials. India must adopt a similar forward-thinking approach. While........

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