India positions itself as global hub for evidence-based traditional medicine ahead of WHO summit

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Ministry of Ayush co-organized in New Delhi a high-level ambassadors’ briefing prior to the 2nd Global Summit on Traditional Medicine scheduled for December 17-19, 2025. The event highlighted India’s initiative to fuse “traditional medicine” (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani) with modern evidence-based health systems. Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav addressed the gathering framing traditional medicine as part of cultural identity, wellness ecosystems, and global health frameworks. The ministry went on to say that India is willing to take the lead in policy-making, standards, research-integration, protecting indigenous knowledge, and linking with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The evidenced interest of the delegates from several countries in holistic health paradigms is reflected by the attendance of worldwide delegates at the event that was primarily about traditional medicine. With non-communicable diseases, cost issues, and the elderly increasing, integrative health options have become more popular. India’s plan for this summit is to use it as a platform for attracting investment, building global partnerships, and positioning itself as a traditional-medicine innovation centre.