News Desk
NEW DELHI — India has unveiled two landmark initiatives in genomics—the India Genomic Data Set and the India Bioinformatics and Data Centre (IBDC) portals—marking a turning point in the nation’s scientific ambitions. The announcement, made by Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, at the Genome India Data Conclave on January 9, 2025, underscores the country’s bid for self-reliance in biotechnology.
The India Genomic Data Set, a vast repository of genomic information drawn from the country’s richly diverse population, aims to transform healthcare research. Alongside it, the IBDC portals are designed to provide secure, ethical access to genomic data, complying with global standards.
“India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data,” Mr. Singh declared, emphasizing the initiative’s role in advancing “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” or self-reliant India.
For years, Indian researchers have struggled with a lack of indigenous genomic data, relying on foreign datasets that failed to reflect the country’s genetic diversity. This dependency stifled progress in precision medicine and public health research tailored to India’s unique needs.
The new platforms address this gap, with 10,000 whole genome sequences capturing genetic variations across India’s populations. Researchers will now have tools to explore these datasets, unlocking opportunities in drug development, disease prevention, and personalized medicine.
The minister also highlighted India’s rapid ascent in biotechnology. “India now ranks 12th globally in biotech, third in the Asia-Pacific, and boasts over 8,500 startups—up from just 50 in 2014,” he noted.
The initiative is supported by the Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED) Protocols, which ensure the responsible sharing of high-quality, nation-specific data under the 2021 Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines.
These portals are not only a testament to India’s scientific resolve but also a statement of intent on the global stage. They invite international collaboration on challenges like cancer, rare diseases, and infectious outbreaks, while prioritizing data security and ethical research practices.
“This achievement is about sovereignty over our genetic identity,” Mr. Singh said. “By harnessing our data, we can address India’s health challenges and contribute to global solutions.”
As genomics continues to evolve, the initiatives promise benefits beyond healthcare, spanning agriculture, environmental science, and forensics. With this ambitious step, India positions itself as a rising force in global genomics, advancing toward a future shaped by innovation and equity.
