The world today is facing a major challenge in adjusting to the adverse effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread. Meeting the demand for several key drugs and preventive medical supplies has emerged as major concern in many countries. India has over the years consolidated its position as a major producer and exporter of not only bulk drugs and formulations but also other medical provisions and equipment. The present commentary makes an attempt to understand the possible trade opportunities for India’s pharmaceutical sector in light of the recent export policy interventions. An analysis of the recent export policy adjustments reflects the evolving attitude of the country towards domestic risk perception and commitment to support other countries. The trade opportunities for India are analysed next with the help of select trade indices, and it appears that there is significant scope for enhancing India’s global competitiveness in several product groups. The evolving trends have then been judged by exploring their plausible implications from a theoretical standpoint. It has been concluded that in order to meet the growing world demands for these products, India needs to enhance productivity of the upstream segments through a rigorous policy framework. JEL: F10, F13, I18

中文翻译：

---

最近的冠状病毒 (COVID-19) 大流行：印度药品出口问题回顾

当今世界在适应冠状病毒 (COVID-19) 传播的不利影响方面面临重大挑战。满足对几种关键药物和预防性医疗用品的需求已成为许多国家的主要关切。多年来，印度不仅是原料药和制剂的主要生产国和出口国，还巩固了其作为其他医疗用品和设备的主要生产国和出口国的地位。鉴于最近的出口政策干预，本评论试图了解印度制药业可能的贸易机会。对最近出口政策调整的分析反映了该国对国内风险认知和支持其他国家的承诺不断变化的态度。接下来在选定的贸易指数的帮助下分析印度的贸易机会，似乎在几个产品组中提高印度的全球竞争力有很大的空间。然后通过从理论的角度探索其似是而非的含义来判断不断变化的趋势。结论是，为了满足世界对这些产品日益增长的需求，印度需要通过严格的政策框架提高上游部门的生产力。JEL：F10、F13、I18