The Union government has launched the second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0) for 2025–29, outlining new strategies to slow the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
India’s first national AMR plan was introduced in 2017.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda released the plan in New Delhi on Tuesday during the opening of the WHO’s World AMR Awareness Week, held from November 18 to 24.
The Ministry of Health said the updated plan is “a significant step in tackling AMR through a One Health approach.” It noted that over 20 ministries are involved and that the new version comes with clear timelines and budgets. “Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting public health,” the ministry said.
Nadda stressed the seriousness of the challenge. “AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment, and other critical healthcare interventions. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency of corrective measures,” he said.
The new plan aims to fix several gaps identified in the earlier version.
It emphasises increasing ownership of AMR initiatives, improving coordination between sectors, and deepening engagement with the private sector. The Health Ministry said the updated document contains specific action plans for each participating ministry or department. It also includes timelines, budgets, and mechanisms for monitoring progress. “It also includes well-defined mechanisms for coordination and collaboration within and across the sectors,” the ministry added.
Nadda said the “One Health” approach remains central to the plan. It brings together human health, animal health, agriculture, environmental management, and other related areas. “The 'One Health' approach in this action plan has sectoral action as the foundation of intersectoral collaboration and coordination among human, animal, agriculture, environmental, and other relevant sectors over the next five years,” he said.
The NAP-AMR 2.0 sets out six strategic objectives. These include improving public awareness and understanding of AMR, strengthening laboratory capacity for detection and surveillance, and monitoring antibiotic residues. The plan also focuses on reducing infections through better prevention and control, ensuring rational use of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and food, and supporting research and innovation.
Additional priorities include identifying key research needs and reinforcing governance and coordination across sectors.
Following the launch, each ministry and department involved is expected to draft an implementation roadmap. This will require cooperation from the private sector, technical institutions, professional bodies, industry, cooperatives, NGOs, international partners, and other organisations, the ministry said.