India begins countdown to 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Summit

India has officially kicked off preparations for the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, set to take place from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The Ministry of Ayush launched the countdown at a Curtain Raiser event held at the National Media Centre, outlining the summit’s core themes and the scale of international participation.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, expressed pride in India hosting the summit’s second edition following the successful inaugural event in Gujarat in 2023. He said the 2025 summit marks an important step toward integrating traditional medicine into global health frameworks and reflects the country’s vision of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”

This year’s theme, “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,” will guide discussions among ministers, global health leaders, researchers, industry stakeholders and practitioners. More than 100 countries are expected to participate.

Jadhav also revealed that the Ministry of Ayush will organize a dedicated side event highlighting Ashwagandha, one of India’s most celebrated medicinal plants. The programme will showcase traditional knowledge alongside cutting-edge scientific findings.

He reiterated that India continues to play a leading role in advancing traditional medicine worldwide, with Ayush systems—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy—earning growing global recognition. He emphasized that the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar demonstrates international trust in India’s expertise.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of WHO South-East Asia Region, said the summit will help shape a decade-long roadmap for evidence-based and equitable integration of traditional, complementary and Indigenous medicine into national health systems. She stressed the need for stronger research and regulatory mechanisms.

A special session on Ashwagandha, titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact,” will run throughout the summit, bringing together global experts to discuss its adaptogenic and therapeutic potential.

The event follows the Ambassadors’ Reception held in November, marking India’s formal launch of preparations for the global gathering.