Novartis announced plans to transfer its 70.68% holding in Novartis India Limited to a private‑equity consortium in a deal valued at about $159 million, while retaining separate commercial and R&D operations in the country. The move formalizes Novartis’ long‑running strategic pivot toward innovative medicines and away from legacy off‑patent portfolios in certain markets, and includes an open offer to public shareholders to increase the consortium’s stake. Novartis will keep a commercial arm and R&D presence in India, underscoring a selective retreat from an on‑market manufacturing and older‑portfolio business model. Market reaction lifted Novartis India’s share price; the transaction will close subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in 2026 Q3.