India Entering Era of Precision Medicine Powered by Genomics, AI: Jitendra Singh

• Jitendra Singh says India moving toward personalised and precision medicine
• Genome India project has sequenced 10,000 individuals, targeting one million genomes
• Gene therapy breakthrough in haemophilia shows India’s research capability
• Bio-E3 policy aims to make India global leader in biomanufacturing

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th March: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday said India is entering a new era of personalised and precision medicine powered by genomics, artificial intelligence and advanced biotechnology, which will transform disease detection and treatment.

Speaking at the NXT Summit 2026 – “For All Humankind”, the minister said these emerging technologies will enable doctors to predict diseases early and provide targeted treatment even before symptoms appear.

Dr. Singh highlighted that India’s vast genetic diversity offers a unique advantage in genomic research. With over 4,000–5,000 distinct communities and one of the world’s largest genetic pools, the country is well positioned to develop predictive healthcare models.

Referring to the Genome India initiative, he said genome sequencing of 10,000 Indian individuals has already been completed, while the long-term objective is to sequence one million genomes to support disease prediction and preventive healthcare.

“The future of medicine will be personalised medicine and precision prescriptions tailored to the genetic profile, lifestyle and environment of each individual,” he said.

The minister also pointed to a major scientific breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia, describing it as a strong indicator of India’s growing capabilities in genetic research and advanced therapies.

Dr. Singh said India is also making major strides in biotechnology and biomanufacturing through policy initiatives such as the Bio-E3 Policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment.

The policy aims to position India among the global leaders in biomanufacturing, he said, adding that biotechnology is widely expected to drive the next industrial revolution, much like information technology did in the past.

Highlighting India’s achievements in the life sciences sector, the minister noted that the country developed the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and has also created an indigenous vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) to prevent cervical cancer.

He also emphasised the role of AI-enabled diagnostics, particularly for early detection of diseases such as breast cancer. According to him, technologies like AI-based thermal imaging can help deliver screening services to remote areas through mobile health units.

Dr. Singh said India is also advancing research in space medicine, including collaborations between the Department of Space and AIIMS to study biological responses to microgravity and their potential healthcare applications on Earth.

The minister further highlighted the recently introduced SHANTI Act, which opens India’s nuclear sector to private participation and is expected to accelerate investments in nuclear technologies and nuclear medicine.

He added that the government has also created a ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund to promote private sector participation in advanced technologies including biotechnology and nuclear science.

Dr. Singh noted that India is increasingly being recognised globally as a cost-effective and high-quality healthcare destination, driven by strong scientific research and expanding health data systems.

He expressed confidence that growing global collaborations in life sciences and biotechnology would further strengthen India’s position as a leading innovation hub in healthcare and medical research.