The Ministry of Ayush organized a Curtain Raiser Press Conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam.
India to Host the Global Summit for the Second Time
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride that India will host the prestigious Summit once again, following the successful inaugural edition in Gujarat in 2023. He emphasized that the event marks a significant milestone in global efforts to mainstream traditional medicine for the health and well-being of all, echoing India’s vision of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”
Summit Theme and Global Participation
Shri Jadhav announced that this year’s theme—“Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being”—will guide discussions across the three-day event. The Summit will gather Ministers, policymakers, global health leaders, researchers, experts, industry representatives, and practitioners. Furthermore, participation is expected from more than 100 countries, reinforcing the event’s global significance.
Special Focus on Ashwagandha
As reported by pib.gov.in, the Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Ayush will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most researched medicinal plants. The session will showcase its role in traditional healing and contemporary healthcare.
India’s Leadership in Traditional Medicine
Shri Jadhav reiterated India’s leadership in Traditional Medicine systems—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. These systems, he said, have supported communities for centuries and are now globally recognized for promoting holistic health. He added that the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, demonstrates growing international confidence in India’s traditional knowledge.
Acknowledging Collaboration and Media Support
The Minister commended the Ministry of Ayush and WHO teams for their sustained efforts in organizing the Summit. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the media in spreading awareness and strengthening public trust in traditional medicine.
Prime Minister Expected at the Closing Ceremony
He shared that the Prime Minister of India is expected to grace the Summit’s closing ceremony. He expressed confidence that the discussions and partnerships emerging from the event will steer global healthcare towards holistic, inclusive, and sustainable pathways.
WHO Highlights the Summit’s Global Importance
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of WHO South-East Asia and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, emphasized that the Summit represents a milestone in global health collaboration. She noted that participation from over 100 countries will help shape a decade-long roadmap for integrating traditional, complementary, integrative, and Indigenous medical systems into national healthcare frameworks.
She also stressed the need to bridge evidence gaps through research, innovation, and stronger regulatory frameworks, given the widespread global reliance on traditional medicine.
Dedicated Ashwagandha Event to Highlight Scientific Evidence
A specialized side event titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts” will run alongside the Summit from 17–19 December 2025. Jointly organized by WHO-GTMC and the Ministry of Ayush, the session will bring together researchers, policymakers, and clinicians to explore contemporary scientific evidence on Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties. The discussions will also emphasize safety assessments to advance global acceptance of high-quality, evidence-based Ashwagandha products.
Senior Leadership Attends the Curtain Raiser
Senior Ayush officials, including Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Principal Director General of PIB Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Joint Secretaries Ms. Alarmelmangai D and Ms. Monalisa Dash, and Deputy Director General Shri Satyajit Paul joined the Minister on the dais. Members of the media and officials from the Ministry of Ayush also attended the event.
India Begins Countdown to the Global Summit
The Curtain Raiser follows the Ambassadors’ Reception held on 9–10 November 2025, where diplomats were briefed on India–WHO collaboration and the Summit’s significance.
With today’s event, India officially begins the countdown to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, reaffirming its commitment to advancing holistic, integrative, and sustainable healthcare worldwide.