India Debates Aurobindo's Penicillin G Imports: Self-Reliance vs. China

• Government is evaluating Aurobindo Pharma's proposal to import Penicillin G, 6-APA, and Amoxicillin Trihydrate.
• The decision involves potentially implementing Minimum Import Price (MIP) to protect domestic manufacturers under the PLI scheme.
• Most major pharma associations (Pharmexcil, IPA, BDMA, IDMA) support Aurobindo's proposal; only Antibiotic Association of India opposes.
• These are critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs) for antibiotics, with India heavily reliant on imports, especially from China.
• The move tests India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Why It Matters: India weighs Aurobindo's critical drug imports against its 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' self-reliance goals.