India Achieves Milestone in TB Fight with 10,000 Genome Sequences Completed

The 10,000 genome sequencing milestone is part of the broader Dare2eraD TB (Data Driven Research to Eradicate TB) program, launched on March 24, 2022.

In a major scientific leap forward in India's fight against tuberculosis (TB), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the successful genome sequencing of 10,000 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, marking a watershed moment in the country's mission to eliminate TB ahead of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global target of 2030.

The announcement was made during a national summit at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, commemorating World TB Day on March 24. The event gathered a distinguished audience comprising top medical researchers, public health leaders, and policymakers.

A Big Win for Indian Science

The 10,000 genome sequencing milestone is part of the broader Dare2eraD TB (Data Driven Research to Eradicate TB) program, launched on March 24, 2022. The program is designed to harness cutting-edge scientific research and large-scale data analytics to address the complex challenges posed by TB, which remains one of the leading infectious killers globally.

A key pillar of the initiative is the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium, a collaborative platform led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and major clinical research institutions across the country.

The ultimate aim: to sequence over 32,000 TB isolates, enabling researchers to uncover patterns of drug resistance and mutations, refine diagnostic tools, and tailor more effective treatment strategies.

Dr. Jitendra Singh: "TB Elimination Needs Science, Society, and Synergy"

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also brings a medical background to his political leadership, called the breakthrough a "giant leap" in India's efforts to eradicate TB by 2025—five years ahead of the WHO’s global target.

“The deep genomic dataset we are developing will be a game-changer in TB diagnostics and resistance profiling. We can now potentially reduce the time for drug resistance testing from several weeks to just hours or days. This helps clinicians make better and faster decisions,” he stated.

Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation, calling for a "whole-of-science, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach". He highlighted how fighting TB is not merely a medical challenge but a societal one, calling for enhanced community engagement and public participation to remove stigma, improve awareness, and ensure timely treatment.

Accelerating Innovation for Real-World Impact

In his remarks, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, described the 10,000-sequence benchmark as a “milestone achievement” in India's public health journey. He noted that the genomic data generated would provide unparalleled insights into the evolution and behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly its resistance to frontline drugs.

“This is not just about science in labs,” said Dr. Gokhale. “We are committed to translating this rich dataset into real-world solutions—whether that means better diagnostics, faster drug resistance detection, or even the development of novel treatment regimens.”

He also emphasized the importance of building infrastructure and scaling technologies to reach the broader population, especially in resource-limited settings.

The Future of TB Diagnostics: From Weeks to Hours

Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that while phenotypic drug-susceptibility testing and culturing M. tuberculosis remain standard procedures, they are time-consuming and often inaccessible in remote or under-resourced regions. Genome sequencing, on the other hand, offers a faster, scalable, and more precise alternative.

He highlighted that such innovations, when deployed at scale, can radically improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and prevent the spread of resistant strains.

However, the Minister also acknowledged challenges, especially in disparities in access to molecular diagnostics across different countries and regions, urging global solidarity to ensure that TB innovations benefit all.

Global Implications and National Commitment

With India bearing the world’s highest TB burden, contributing nearly a quarter of all global TB cases, this breakthrough in genomic surveillance stands to significantly influence global efforts as well.

Senior officials present at the summit included Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (Director General, CSIR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl (Director General, ICMR), and Dr. M. Srinivas (Director, AIIMS), who collectively lauded the achievement and called for continued focus on innovation, policy reform, and public health infrastructure.

Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized the interdisciplinary collaboration that made the sequencing milestone possible, while Dr. Bahl stressed the urgent need to link research with patient care and ground-level implementation.

Toward a TB-Free India

The Indian government’s commitment to a TB-free India by 2025 is among the most ambitious public health goals globally. With this landmark genome sequencing accomplishment, the country is now better equipped than ever before to move from aspiration to action.

Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reaffirming the government’s resolve: “We are not just working toward eliminating a disease—we are striving to build a healthier, more resilient India. Through innovation, partnerships, and people’s participation, we are turning the tide against tuberculosis.”