Genome India Project: PM Modi Highlights Bio Economy as Foundation of 'Viksit Bharat' in the 21st Century

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the commencement of Genome India Project through a video message on January 09, 2025. Highlighting the historic importance of the initiative, he recalled that the project, approved five years ago, had been successfully completed despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Modi applauded the contributions of over 20 esteemed research institutions, including IISc, IITs, CSIR, and DBT-BRIC, in the achievement. He announced that genome sequences of 10,000 Indians are now accessible at the Indian Biological Data Center, expressing confidence in the project's transformative impact on biotechnology research and congratulating all involved.

“Genome India Project is an important milestone in the biotechnology revolution,” Modi remarked, emphasizing its success in creating a diverse genetic resource by sequencing genomes from various populations. He noted that this comprehensive genetic data would assist scientists and researchers in understanding India's genetic landscape and contribute to policymaking and planning for the nation.

Addressing experts and scientists, the Prime Minister highlighted India's diversity, not just in food, language, and geography, but also in genetic makeup. He stressed the importance of understanding genetic variations to address region-specific health challenges. Citing sickle cell anemia among tribal communities as an example, he underscored the need for complete genetic studies to develop effective treatments. Modi emphasized the broader scope of the project, which aims to tackle numerous genetic diseases passed down through generations, facilitating the development of targeted treatments.

“The combination of biotechnology and biomass in the 21st century forms a crucial foundation for a developed India as a Bio Economy,” stated Modi. He highlighted the rapid growth of India's Bio Economy, which expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to over $150 billion today, and shared aspirations to elevate it further with the recently launched Bio E3 Policy. The policy, he noted, would position India as a global biotech leader, akin to its IT revolution. Modi acknowledged the significant role of scientists in these advancements and extended his best wishes for their continued success.

Prime Minister also discussed India's emergence as a pharmaceutical hub, citing revolutionary steps in public healthcare, affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and modern medical infrastructure development. He highlighted how India's pharma ecosystem proved resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized ongoing efforts to establish robust supply and value chains for drug manufacturing. Modi expressed optimism that the Genome India Project would further enhance these endeavors.

“World is looking to India for solutions to global problems, presenting both a responsibility and an opportunity for future generations,” Modi remarked. He pointed to India's growing research ecosystem, supported by initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centers, which foster innovation among students and young entrepreneurs. He also mentioned the PM Research Fellowship Scheme and National Research Fund, which promote multidisciplinary and international research. To boost investment in sunrise technologies and biotechnology, the government has allocated a corpus of one lakh crore rupees.

Discussing the "One Nation One Subscription" initiative, Modi emphasized its role in providing cost-free access to prestigious global journals for Indian students and researchers, positioning India as a knowledge and innovation hub for the 21st century.

“India's Pro People Governance and Digital Public Infrastructure have set a new model for the world,” Modi declared. He concluded by expressing confidence that Genome India Project would further solidify India's reputation in genetic research and extended his best wishes for its success.