India Showcases Leadership in Traditional Medicine with Over 100 Countries Participating

New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush today hosted a Curtain Raiser Press Conference at the National Media Centre, New Delhi, ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled to take place from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride that India will host the Summit following the successful first edition in Gujarat in 2023. Shri Jadhav highlighted that the Summit represents a significant milestone in mainstreaming traditional medicine for global health and well-being, in alignment with India’s vision of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”

The theme for this year’s Summit is “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.” The event will bring together ministers, policymakers, global health leaders, researchers, practitioners, and industry representatives from over 100 countries.

Shri Jadhav also announced a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha, showcasing its scientific and traditional importance. He emphasized India’s global leadership in traditional medicine systems—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy—and highlighted the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat as a testament to growing global confidence in India’s knowledge systems.

The Minister acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Ayush, the World Health Organization, and the media in building public trust and awareness of traditional medicine. He further shared that the Prime Minister of India is expected to grace the Summit’s closing ceremony, underscoring the high-level significance of the event.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of the WHO South-East Asia Region and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, stated that the Summit will shape a decade-long roadmap for evidence-based, equitable, and sustainable integration of traditional, complementary, integrative, and Indigenous medicines into national health systems. She emphasized bridging evidence gaps through research, innovation, and regulatory strengthening.

A key highlight will be the side event “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts”, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and clinicians to advance scientific understanding of Ashwagandha, including its adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. Safety assessments and evidence-based discussions aim to strengthen global acceptance of high-quality Ashwagandha products.

The Curtain Raiser was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha; Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB; Ms Alarmelmangai D, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; and Shri Satyajit Paul, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Ayush, along with senior officials and members of the media.

The Curtain Raiser follows the Ambassadors’ Reception held on 9–10 November 2025, where diplomats were apprised of India–WHO collaboration and the global significance of the Summit. Today’s event officially marks the countdown to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, reaffirming India’s commitment to holistic, integrative, and sustainable healthcare worldwide.