In a major boost to India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities, US-based pharma giant Eli Lilly has announced a $1 billion investment in Telangana, strengthening Hyderabad’s role as a global pharma hub. The move reflects rising investor confidence in the state’s ecosystem and is expected to significantly expand global supply chains for key medicines.
The Investment Announcement
- The announcement came following a high-level meeting between Eli Lilly executives and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu.
- This investment goes beyond the company’s existing Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad, inaugurated in August 2025, and is focused on scaling manufacturing and R&D operations.
- According to an official release, the new facilities in Hyderabad will manufacture critical medicines for global markets, including treatments for diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.
Why Telangana?
Eli Lilly selected Telangana despite interest from multiple Indian states, citing,
- A favourable ecosystem for life sciences and pharmaceuticals
- Availability of highly skilled manpower
- Strong infrastructure support
- Proactive governance and industry-friendly policies
Hyderabad has already emerged as a pharmaceutical and biotech hub, often referred to as the “Vaccine Capital of the World” and home to several global pharmaceutical majors.
Boost to Pharma Manufacturing
- This $1 billion investment will enable large-scale manufacturing of innovative drugs, enhancing India’s position in the global pharma value chain.
- It aligns with India’s ambitions to become a global drug development and supply leader, especially in the post-COVID era where supply chain resilience is critical.
Employment and Skill Development
- The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and pharma R&D.
- It will also drive upskilling among local talent and strengthen academic-industry partnerships in Telangana.
Strengthening India–US Pharma Ties
- This move also reflects growing US-India cooperation in health technologies, and serves as a signal to other multinational pharmaceutical firms considering investment in India.
- It underscores Telangana’s emergence as a preferred FDI destination in life sciences.
Key Points
- Investment amount: $1 billion (USD)
- Announced: October 2025
- Company: Eli Lilly (US pharma major)
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Existing facility: Global Capability Centre (GCC), inaugurated August 2025