Novartis is reinforcing its strategy in India, focusing on becoming a pure-play innovator in key therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, oncology, and immunology. Following the sale of its 71% stake in Novartis India for approximately ₹1,446 crore (around $174 million USD) to private equity investors, the company retained its unlisted arm, Novartis Healthcare, to spearhead its innovative medicines business in India. Amitabh Dube, the country president and managing director, noted that India is increasingly contributing to the global commercialization of its drugs and is moving up the value chain with early-stage scientific discoveries and Phase I clinical trials now underway in Ahmedabad. Novartis also plans to expand its Phase II and III programs across key therapeutic areas. The company operates one of its three global development hubs in India, alongside Basel, Switzerland, and the United States, with research centers located in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Dube emphasized Novartis's commitment to India, which employs over 9,000 people, and its intention to launch more innovative medicines in the coming years.