Genome India Project : A Landmark Achievement in India’s Genomic Research
By Abdos
“Genome India Project” a historic leap in Biotechnology Research, launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT- GOI) five years back in 2020, recently got its completion announcement in a video message addressed by PM Modi at the Genomics Data Conclave held in January’ 2025. With a primary objective to sequence the genomes of 10,000 individuals, representing the vast genetic diversity of the Indian population, further serve as a platform for bigger aim to lay the foundation for personalized medicine, disease diagnostics, and genomic research.
With over 4,600 distinct groups, India has one of the most genetically diverse population in the world. Due to this, some populations have unique genetic markers that may increase susceptibility to certain diseases or affect responses to specific drugs. Globally, millions of genomes have been sequenced, and Indian genomes remain diminished in international genomic databases. Since genetic research from other populations cannot be directly applied to Indians, to bridge the gap, the Genome India project develops an India-specific genomic reference. The sequencing database of 10,000 Indians will now be accessible to researchers through the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC).
Project Scope and Achievements:
In this nationwide collaborative effort, India’s 20 top research institutions worked together to collect, sequence, and analyse genetic data from individuals across 99 diverse communities, including:
Center for Brain Research (CBR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru
CSIR – Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad
CSIR – Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi
iBRIC, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (iBRIC-NIBMG), Kolkata
Key Accomplishments:
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) of 10,074 individuals was completed and a reference genome for the Indian population was developed, which will assist in future research on genetic diseases.
- A biobank with 20,000 blood samples has been established at CBR, Bengaluru.
- Over 135 million genetic variations are identified, including common and rare variations unique to Indian subgroups.
- Genetic studies linking variations to diseases, drug responses, and population history have been initiated.
Scientific Impact and Applications:
One of the most exciting applications of Genome India is in personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored based on an individual’s genetic profile by analysing genetic markers. Doctors can predict disease risks like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It also provides early detection of high-risk individuals and enables people to customize drug prescriptions based on genetic compatibility. Genome India identified 38 critical genetic variants that impact drug metabolism. The project identified millions of rare genetic variants, some of which could be linked to inherited diseases like thalassemia (a blood disorder), sickle cell anaemia (found among tribal populations), and neurological disorders (such as muscular dystrophies and epilepsy).
To conclude, the Genome India Project is a groundbreaking step in India’s scientific journey, placing the country at the forefront of genomic research and precision medicine. The project is revolutionizing healthcare by decoding the genetic blueprint of the Indian population, improving treatment strategies for millions of people, and empowering researchers with India-specific genomic data.
Reference – Genome India, Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, February 2024
