Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the unveiling of genome sequencing data from 10,000 Indians as a "milestone" in biotechnology research. Speaking at the Genomics Data Conclave, Modi emphasized that this national genetic database, hosted at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), would serve as an invaluable scientific resource for advancing precision medicine tailored to India's diverse population.
The GenomeIndia Project, launched in 2020, involved scientists from 20 research institutes conducting whole genome sequencing despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh unveiled the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED) Protocols’ and launched the ‘IBDC Data Access Portal’ to facilitate managed access to this dataset. A ‘Call for Proposals on Genome India Data’ was also issued to encourage research initiatives.
Modi highlighted that the project will enable deeper insights into India's genetic diversity, aiding in the development of targeted treatments for hereditary and infectious diseases. By decoding unique genomic patterns, researchers can develop precision medical interventions suited to different communities. He stressed that India’s growing research ecosystem, strengthened over the past decade, has positioned the country as a global leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood called the GenomeIndia Project a transformative step for public health, facilitating personalized medicine and advanced clinical research. Department of Biotechnology Secretary Rajesh S. Gokhale emphasized that this initiative lays the foundation for a Genomic Hub, fostering India's entry into personalized medicine.
With this initiative, India moves closer to revolutionizing healthcare, leveraging genomic insights to develop more effective treatments and positioning itself as a key player in global precision medicine advancements.