Ayush Ministry Launches Summit Preparations in Delhi
New Delhi: The Ministry of Ayush organized a Curtain Raiser Press Conference at the National Media Centre ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam. The event marked the formal beginning of India’s preparations for the global gathering.
Union Minister Highlights India’s Leadership in Traditional Medicine
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride that India will host the second edition of the Summit, following the success of the inaugural meeting in Gujarat in 2023. He said the event represents a major milestone in global efforts to integrate traditional medicine for the well-being of humanity, reflecting India’s ethos of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”
Summit Theme Focuses on Restoring Balance
This year’s Summit will be held under the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.” The gathering will bring together global health leaders, Ministers, policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and practitioners from more than 100 countries to discuss the future of traditional and integrative medicine.
Side Event on Ashwagandha to Showcase India’s Expertise
The Minister announced that the Ministry of Ayush will host a special side event on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most researched medicinal plants. The session will highlight its importance in both traditional and modern health practices, further strengthening India’s global position in herbal medicine.
Ayush Systems Recognized Worldwide
Shri Jadhav emphasized India’s global leadership in Traditional Medicine, noting that Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy continue to be trusted systems of holistic care across the world. The establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar reflects international confidence in India’s traditional knowledge.
WHO Praises India’s Contribution to Global Health Cooperation
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of WHO South-East Asia Region and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine, said the Summit will help build a decade-long roadmap for integrating traditional and Indigenous medicine into national health systems. She stressed the importance of research, innovation, and strong regulatory frameworks to address evidence gaps.
Ashwagandha Session to Bring Together Global Experts
A dedicated session titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact” will be held during the Summit. Organized by WHO-GTMC in collaboration with the Ayush Ministry, it will feature leading researchers and clinicians discussing scientific evidence on Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory benefits, along with traditional insights.
India Begins Countdown to Global Summit
Senior officials including Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and PIB Principal Director General Shri Dhirendra Ojha attended the event. The Curtain Raiser follows an Ambassadors’ Reception held earlier in November to brief diplomats on the Summit’s significance. With this event, India officially begins the countdown to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, reaffirming its commitment to holistic and sustainable global healthcare.
