India’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) industry is navigating a period of structural change. Global supply chain realignments, increasing emphasis on manufacturing resilience, evolving regulatory expectations, and the pursuit of greater self-reliance are reshaping how API manufacturers approach growth and competitiveness.
While investments in capacity expansion, process innovation, and backward integration continue across the sector, another requirement is becoming increasingly evident: stronger collaboration across the API value chain.
The API ecosystem extends beyond manufacturers. It includes raw material suppliers, technology providers, engineering companies, regulatory specialists, quality professionals, contract manufacturers, research organizations, and policymakers. As the industry addresses challenges related to cost competitiveness, sustainability, compliance, and global market access, the ability of these stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue becomes increasingly important.
With an advisory board comprising respected industry leaders Shirish Belapure, Rashmi Ranjan Patra, Dr. Kuber Jagdale, Dr. Sanjit Singh Lamba, Anil Arora, Shirish Ambulgekar, and Naveen Kapil, API Connect is bringing together some of the most experienced voices in India’s pharmaceutical ecosystem to foster meaningful dialogue around the future of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Their collective expertise across regulatory affairs, manufacturing, quality systems, business leadership, and pharmaceutical operations underscores a growing industry consensus: strengthening India’s API sector will require not only investment in manufacturing but also closer coordination among stakeholders throughout the pharmaceutical value chain.
API Connect 2026 – The Emergence of Industry-Led Platforms
Against this backdrop, industry-led initiatives are creating opportunities for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and identify areas of collaboration.
One such initiative is API Connect, a platform established under Ki Eventz by founders Shiital Rathod and Shikha Agarwal. The concept emerged from their observation that while the pharmaceutical industry has numerous conferences and exhibitions, there remains a need for focused engagement around the API ecosystem, where manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, consultants, and industry experts can interact on common industry priorities.
The founders envisioned a platform that would facilitate industry dialogue, business interactions, and knowledge exchange among stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturing and related services.
“Over the years, we have interacted with stakeholders across different segments of the pharmaceutical industry. A recurring theme was the need for a focused platform dedicated to the API ecosystem, where industry participants could discuss challenges, opportunities, and future priorities,” says Shiital Rathod, Co-Founder, Ki Eventz.
Her partner, Shikha Agarwal, adds, “The API sector operates through a highly interconnected value chain. We felt there was a need to create a platform that could bring together manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, consultants, and industry experts to facilitate meaningful conversations and business engagement.”
The first edition of API Connect in Ahmedabad demonstrated the industry’s willingness to engage in such discussions. Building on that experience, the initiative now moves to Hyderabad, one of India’s most significant pharmaceutical and API manufacturing centres.
Industry Guidance and Domain Expertise
A key component of the platform is the involvement of an advisory board comprising experienced professionals from across the pharmaceutical sector.
The role of the advisory board extends beyond agenda development. Their industry perspectives help ensure that discussions remain aligned with operational realities, regulatory developments, supply chain considerations, and emerging opportunities within the API sector.
Hyderabad and the Future of API Manufacturing
Hyderabad continues to play a central role in India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. The city hosts a significant concentration of API manufacturers, formulation companies, research organizations, and technology providers, making it a relevant venue for industry discussions.
As manufacturers respond to changing market dynamics, several themes are expected to remain at the forefront of industry conversations, including supply chain resilience, sustainability, process efficiency, regulatory preparedness, digital transformation, and strategies for strengthening India’s position in global pharmaceutical supply chains.
Collaboration as a Business Imperative
India’s ambitions within the global pharmaceutical supply chain will depend not only on manufacturing capacity but also on the industry’s ability to foster stronger connections across stakeholders.
The next phase of growth is likely to be driven by a combination of technological advancement, regulatory excellence, supply chain resilience, and collaborative problem-solving. Platforms that encourage interaction between manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and industry experts can contribute to this objective by facilitating knowledge exchange and business engagement.
For an industry built on interconnected value chains, collaboration remains an important component of sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
Industry Participation at API Connect 2026
API Connect 2026, Hyderabad Edition, scheduled for 3 July 2026 at Avasa, Hyderabad, will bring together stakeholders from across the API value chain for discussions on industry priorities, operational challenges, emerging technologies, and future opportunities.
Professionals involved in API manufacturing, formulation development, regulatory affairs, quality, engineering, procurement, supply chain management, and pharmaceutical services can benefit from participating in these conversations and engaging with peers from across the industry.
As India’s API sector continues to evolve, industry engagement and collaborative dialogue will remain essential in shaping its next phase of development.
