Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underscored the global importance of yoga as an integral part of traditional medicine systems, saying the ancient Indian practice has guided the world towards health, balance and harmony.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi, PM Modi said traditional medicine must address not only present-day healthcare needs but also future global challenges.
“Our responsibility is not limited to the present alone. Through traditional medicine, we also carry a shared responsibility towards the future,” the Prime Minister said.
India’s Growing Role in Global Traditional Medicine
PM Modi highlighted the significance of India hosting the summit and lauded the World Health Organization’s collaboration.
“Over the past three days, experts from across the world have engaged in meaningful discussions. India is proud to provide this platform, and the WHO has played a vital role,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the establishment of the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, reflects the international community’s trust in India’s leadership in this field.
“The world entrusted us with this responsibility with confidence at the first Traditional Medicine Summit,” he added.
Yoga’s Global Recognition
Emphasising yoga’s universal relevance, PM Modi said traditional medicine systems include yoga, which has helped people worldwide achieve physical and mental well-being.
He recalled that June 21 was declared International Yoga Day by the United Nations with the support of over 175 countries, crediting collective global efforts for yoga’s growing acceptance.
Major Ayush Initiatives Launched
During the programme, the Prime Minister launched several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the Ayush ecosystem:
- My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP) – a unified digital platform for Ayush services
- Ayush Mark – envisioned as a global quality benchmark for Ayush products and services
- WHO technical report on Yoga training
- Book titled “From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in Ayush”
- Commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, symbolising India’s traditional medicinal heritage
Strengthening India–WHO Partnership
PM Modi also inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office complex in Delhi, which will house the WHO India Country Office, calling it a milestone in India’s partnership with the global health body.
He felicitated recipients of the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga (2021–2025), recognising their sustained efforts in taking yoga to the world.
Summit Highlights
Jointly organised by the WHO and the Ministry of Ayush, the summit was held from December 17 to 19, 2025, under the theme:
“Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.”
The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, scientists, practitioners, indigenous knowledge holders and civil society representatives, focusing on building equitable, sustainable and evidence-based health systems.
PM Modi also visited the Traditional Medicine Discovery Space, an exhibition showcasing the depth and contemporary relevance of traditional medicine systems from India and across the world.
