India Chromatography Instruments Market Assessment, By Product Type, By Component, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India chromatography instruments market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.50% from FY2025 to FY2032, increasing from USD 451.23 million in FY2024 to USD 804.76 million by FY2032. The market is anticipated to witness growth in the forecast period due to an increase in the demand for analytical solutions for precise healthcare outcomes. Investment in pharmaceutical research, high regulatory requirements for drug quality, and a focus on advanced diagnostics would drive chromatography adoption in the Indian healthcare sector.

Chromatography plays a significant role in drug delivery. Moreover, chromatographic techniques and equipment have become essential for biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies to develop pure drug molecules. It allows research to separate, analyze, and purify compounds and their mixtures efficiently. As drug development continues to rise in India, more advanced and analytical tools are required to support the entire new drug development process. This will create a demand for chromatography instruments with enhanced capabilities. Many industry leaders strategically partner with other companies to expand their analytical capabilities in India. For instance, in July 2023, Waters Corporation (Waters) acquired Wyatt Technology Corporation (Wyatt), to develop new analytical tools to aid drug processes. The coupling of Waters' Liquid Chromatography (LC) instrumentation with Wyatt's light-scattering technology enables Waters India to be more competent in supporting biopharma activities during drug development, manufacture, and quality control processes.

Rising Pharmaceutical R&D Investments to Support Market Expansion

Increased investment in pharmaceutical R&D is further driving the chromatography instruments market in India as demand for high-end analytical equipment increases support in drug development and quality checks. Recent initiatives such as Pharma Vision 2047 and research and development incentives have added pace to the generic drug manufacturing and novel therapeutics business of the Indian pharmaceutical industry. In such a scenario, the thrust now is on stringent regulatory standards, and there is an immense demand for chromatography instruments to study the complex nature of compounds, impurities, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Investment in R&D between global pharmaceutical companies and Indian firms further intensifies this. As a result, the requirement for sophisticated analytical techniques like chromatography boosts the efficacy and accuracy of drug testing, quality assurance, and formulation processes. Also, in September 2023, to strengthen the research and developmental activities in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, the government of India launched the Pharma and MedTech sector scheme of USD 61 million (INR 5,000 crore). Under this scheme, funding of more than USD 13.41 million (INR 1,100 crore) will be provided to nine pharmaceutical companies to undertake research work. The schemes are expected to collaborate between companies and academic institutions for pharmaceutical innovations.

Technological Advancements to Fuel Market Growth

Technological advancements in the chromatography instruments market are driven by the launch of more accurate, faster, and more sensitive reagents and resins. Advanced techniques, for instance, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), improve the detection of trace element as well as impurities detection in pharmaceutical, food safety, and environmental testing applications. Further innovations are noticed in automated systems and data integration, streamlining workflows, eliminating human error, and enhancing the efficiency of laboratories. Portable and miniaturized chromatography devices expanded the use of chromatography from typical lab settings to on-site tests. Such developments respond to quality control and regulatory requirements that have become more demanded by India's industrial sectors. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into chromatography instrumentation improves lab efficiency and accuracy. For instance, in February 2023, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (Agilent) acquired AI technology developed by Virtual Control. The latter is a company that develops AI and machine learning software, including laboratory analysis. This technology automates complicated processes in chromatography and mass spectrometry data analysis through its software product called ACIES. It increases the speed of work to be executed, from preparation to reporting on samples in a laboratory. Agilent plans to integrate ACIES into the MassHunter LC/MS and GC/MS platforms, wherein the core members of the ACIES team will join Agilent.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to Hold Significant Market Share

The segment of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) dominates India chromatography instruments market with a major share based on factors such as precision, versatility, and reliability in various applications. The ability of HPLC to carry out separation, identification, and quantification of complex mixtures makes it important in pharmaceuticals, food safety, and environmental testing. Advanced columns for HPLC are touted as the pursuit of achieving greater analytical accuracy. This pharmaceutical sector has stringent quality control standards, for which HPLC has been made a necessity for testing and validation of drugs. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography is a new advancement in this technology that offers faster analysis with lower solvent consumption, propelling the acceptance of the technology even more in the Indian market.

For instance, in May 2023, Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL) opened the first-ever advanced lab specialized in testing organic food in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The lab is equipped with advanced technologies, including HPLC, and others, such as Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS). These equipment can detect and quantify specific amounts of organic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, etc., in food samples. The lab tests for trace elements, heavy metals, mycotoxins, additives, and preservatives allow organic producers to work together with the best possible testing.

Future Market Scenario (FY2025 -FY2032F)

The market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to the increased adoption of green chromatography techniques. The technique involves the use of an eco-friendly solvent and waste minimization. Emerging demand for miniaturized and portable chromatography systems for on-site testing of food safety, pharmaceuticals, and environmental monitoring. Artificial intelligence and machine learning analysis are increasingly being used, enhancing the results' accuracy and speed.

The rising regulatory requirement for quality control in drug development fuels further demands for advanced chromatography solutions, ultimately providing immense market growth opportunities over the next few years. For instance, in January 2024, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) Sub Zonal Office and Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDTL) was established in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It will work towards strengthening the regulation of drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices in the area to deliver quality medicines in the country. This new CDTL comes with modern capabilities for up-to-date laboratories with 12 HPLC systems, where samples of medicines can be adequately tested and assured of quality.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in India chromatography instrument market focus on innovation and strategic positioning. Top manufacturers invest in collaborative and partnership initiatives for developing products, improving the availability of high technology, and introducing advanced chromatographic solutions with a competitive advantage. It enhances the growth of India chromatography instruments market.

In October 2024, Agilent Technologies Inc. unveiled its next-generation InfinityLab LC Series portfolio, which includes biocompatible options for the 1290 Infinity III LC, 1260 Infinity III Prime LC, and 1260 Infinity III LC systems. The HPLC systems are among the first to incorporate Agilent's InfinityLab Assist Technology, the latest evolution in built-in system assistance. Feedback and error reduction, providing advanced sample tracking through barcoding and camera technologies that end mix-ups and guarantee more accurate results.