India’s medical device sector has grown from $5 billion in 2020-21 to $18 billion today, showing the country’s rising capabilities in medical technology manufacturing and its shift away from import dependence. This growth, backed by government policies and increased manufacturing, was a key focus on the opening day of the 32nd Medical Fair India 2026, organised by Messe Düsseldorf India at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.
The three-day exhibition, held from 17-19 September 2026, opened with a lamp-lighting and ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a welcome address from Messe Düsseldorf India executives Lars Wismer, Regional Head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA); Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India; and Dr Rajiv Chhibber, Joint Forum Coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and Member, Advisory Committee, Medical Fair India 2026
The opening session, the 11th International Healthcare Conference, featured Homer Chang, Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Mumbai; Jamie Scattergood, Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai; Dr Hui-Chen Su, Director, International Medical Center and Attending Neurologist, Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital; Sanjay Jha, Founder, Apaan Medtech; Khushbu Sharma, Joint Director, Voice of Healthcare; and Ajay Kumar Gulati, General Manager, Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt. Ltd.
Medical Fair India 2026 gave healthcare professionals, hospital procurement leaders, manufacturers, technology providers, distributors and other stakeholders a platform to explore innovations shaping the healthcare ecosystem. It hosted discussions on topics like future-ready hospitals, digital and sustainable healthcare systems, international partnerships, research and clinical excellence, and AI in healthcare. Speakers also stressed the need for practical policies that support manufacturing investment, covering both capital and operational costs, for smaller and larger manufacturers alike.
Dr Rajiv Chhibber – Joint Forum Coordinator – Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) and Member – Advisory Committee – Medical Fair India 2026, said, “The medical device sector has grown into a significant industry. In 2020–21, it was a $5 billion sector, and today it has grown to $18 billion. For a long time, medical devices were considered an import-dependent sector, but with the policies of the central and state governments, the industry is moving towards self-sufficiency.
“Manufacturing has increased by more than 100% in India, supported by initiatives such as the PLI and PRIP schemes. Today, our medical exports reach around 187 countries. The medical device sector, which was once seen as a smaller subsector of the pharmaceutical industry, has become an integral part of the healthcare sector.
“We also need to focus on patient safety, ethical marketing practices and pricing, with the NPPA taking pricing-related matters seriously. Regulators must understand that medical devices are different from pharmacology. As technology advances, manufacturers need encouragement to invest in innovation, while ensuring that medical technology remains affordable in terms of both price and quality,” Chhibber added.
Lars Wismer – Regional Head of Messe Düsseldorf for Asia (MDfA), said, “India is definitely a growing market of the future, and we at Messe Düsseldorf for Asia are particularly focused on the country in the MedTech sector. India has come a long way from being a major importer to a market where more and more production is taking place.
“It is becoming a MedTech powerhouse, not only for the region but also for the world. Compared to Europe, the adoption rate in Asia is much higher, making Asian economies, especially India, an important market. India plays a significant role, not just as a customer but also as a manufacturer and supplier.
“Medical Fair India provides a platform for knowledge exchange. It is not just about bringing new products and innovations together with buyers, but also about exchanging ideas, experiencing innovation and creating conversations around these developments,” Wismer added.
Ajay Kumar Gulati – General Manager – Messe Düsseldorf India, said, “We strive to bring small and medium enterprises, innovators and startups onto the same platform as large corporates, giving them an opportunity to meet and connect with the wider healthcare industry. This includes a broad range of technologies, from surgical devices and cardiac implants to imaging and other health technology solutions.
“The Mumbai edition is not only about bringing innovations and new products together with buyers, but also about exchanging ideas and experiencing innovation. Maharashtra is a hub for medical manufacturing, with several players operating out of the state. We are also seeing significant growth in AI within the MedTech industry, and the intention is to ensure that its implementation helps make healthcare more affordable and supports the growth of the sector,” Gulati added.
The government’s vision of affordability, availability and accessibility has now grown to include a fourth ‘A’ – Advancements, backed by Medical Fair India 2026, AiMeD and other partners. This reflects a growing focus on innovation and access to the latest healthcare technologies.
Medical Fair India 2026 saw participation from Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States. The event reflects the growing importance of strengthening India’s medical device manufacturing ecosystem and supply chain, while creating opportunities for manufacturers, technology providers, innovators and healthcare stakeholders to connect and explore business.
