Indian pharmaceutical company Sai Life Sciences plans to increase its workforce by around 20% as rising global demand fuels expansion, signaling strong growth momentum in India’s contract research and manufacturing sector.
The Hyderabad-based drug manufacturer announced on Friday that it intends to add more than 700 employees in the upcoming financial year. This hiring push represents roughly a fifth of its current workforce and reflects the company’s strategy to strengthen capacity in response to increasing international demand.
At present, Sai Life Sciences employs around 3,400 people across operations in India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. A significant portion of its revenue comes from clients in the U.S., Europe, and the UK, positioning the company as a key player in global pharmaceutical outsourcing.
India’s Pharma Sector on a Growth Trajectory
The expansion comes at a time when India’s drug research, development, and manufacturing ecosystem is witnessing rapid growth. Global pharmaceutical companies are increasingly relocating high-value operations to India, attracted by competitive production costs, a skilled scientific workforce, and a push to diversify supply chains.
According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, India’s contract drug research and manufacturing market is projected to more than double, reaching nearly $58 billion between 2025 and 2031. This surge underscores the country’s rising prominence as a global pharmaceutical hub.
Focus on Hyderabad Operations
Most of the new hires at Sai Life Sciences will be based in Hyderabad, southern India, where the company operates its largest research and development center. The recruitment drive will focus on scientific, technical, and managerial roles to strengthen capabilities in drug discovery, data-driven research, and large-scale commercial manufacturing.
Hyderabad has emerged as a major pharmaceutical and biotech cluster in India, making it a strategic base for expansion.
Strategic Investment and Supply Chain Rebalancing
Commenting on the company’s growth plans, CEO and Managing Director Krishna Kanumuri highlighted the broader shift underway in global supply chains. He described the current environment as a period of “global supply-chain rebalancing,” where companies are reassessing production geographies and partnerships.
Over the past six years, Sai Life Sciences has invested more than $219 million to expand its manufacturing footprint. These investments have enabled the company to scale operations and enhance its ability to serve global clients efficiently.
With rising demand and continued capital infusion, Sai Life Sciences appears poised to deepen its role in the international pharmaceutical value chain while contributing to India’s expanding footprint in high-value drug development and manufacturing.
