Eli Lilly eyes India as next global export hub

Eli Lilly and Co. is positioning India as a key player in its global supply chain, driven by the booming success of its diabetes and obesity drug, Mounjaro.

The pharmaceutical giant has announced plans to invest $1 billion in contract manufacturing in India, aiming to transform the country into a major export hub for its medicines.

Mike Mason, President of Lilly Diabetes, highlighted India’s critical role in meeting the growing global demand for its treatments. With Mounjaro’s sales surging, the company is leveraging India’s manufacturing capabilities to ensure a steady supply of high-demand products. The move aligns with Lilly’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint and streamline its supply chain.

In addition to Mounjaro, Lilly is preparing to introduce new treatments, including donanemab, an Alzheimer’s drug, and orforglipron, an oral diabetes medication. These innovations are expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the global pharmaceutical market.

India’s emergence as a key export hub reflects its growing importance in the pharmaceutical industry. The country’s robust manufacturing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and cost efficiencies make it an attractive destination for global pharmaceutical companies. Lilly’s investment underscores its confidence in India’s ability to support its mission of delivering life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.

This development comes as the pharmaceutical industry increasingly looks to India for manufacturing and export opportunities, solidifying the country’s reputation as a global hub for high-quality, affordable medicines.

Source: Lilly targets India as global export hub amid booming Mounjaro sales, executive says [Accessed February 17, 2026] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lilly-targets-india-global-export-hub-amid-booming-mounjaro-sales-executive-says-2026-02-17/