The Ministry of Ayush held a curtain-raiser press conference at the National Media Centre in New Delhi ahead of the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled for 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam.
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, noted that India will host the Summit for the second time, following the first edition in Gujarat in 2023. He said the event represents an important step in ongoing global efforts to integrate traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare. This year’s Summit will be held under the theme Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being.
The Summit is expected to bring together Ministers, policymakers, public health leaders, researchers, experts, industry representatives, and practitioners from over 100 countries. The Ministry of Ayush will also host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha, focusing on its significance in traditional practices and recent scientific studies.
Shri Jadhav highlighted the global interest in Ayush systems Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy and referred to the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as an example of international collaboration in this sector. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Ayush and WHO in preparing for the Summit and mentioned that the Prime Minister of India is expected to attend the closing ceremony.
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of the WHO South-East Asia Region and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, said the Summit marks a significant moment in advancing cooperation on traditional medicine globally. She noted that with participation from more than 100 countries, the event will help outline a long-term framework for evidence-based, equitable, and sustainable integration of traditional, complementary, integrative, and Indigenous medicine systems into national health structures.
She also emphasized the need to strengthen research, innovation, and regulation to address evidence gaps in traditional medicine.
A focused side event titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts” will take place from 17–19 December. Jointly organized by WHO-GTMC and the Ministry of Ayush, the session will feature discussions on scientific evidence related to Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, along with safety considerations.
The press event was attended by senior officials including Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha; PIB Principal Director General Shri Dhirendra Ojha; Joint Secretaries Ms Alarmelmangai D and Ms Monalisa Dash; and Deputy Director General Shri Satyajit Paul, along with other officials and media representatives.
The curtain-raiser follows the Ambassadors’ Reception held on 9–10 November 2025, where diplomats were briefed on the significance of the India-WHO partnership and the upcoming Summit.
With this event, preparations for the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine have formally begun.