India begins countdown to 2nd WHO Global Summit on traditional medicine; global participation expected from over 100 countries
India has officially launched the countdown to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, scheduled to be held from 17–19 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in the capital. The Ministry of Ayush today held a Curtain Raiser at the National Media Centre to outline key themes and international participation for the upcoming summit.
Addressing the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush Prataprao Jadhav said India is proud to host the second edition of the global summit after the successful inaugural event in Gujarat in 2023. He said the summit marks a significant milestone in efforts to mainstream traditional medicine and aligns with India’s vision of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah.”
Jadhav announced that this year’s theme, “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,” will guide discussions involving ministers, policymakers, global health leaders, researchers, industry representatives and practitioners. Participation from more than 100 countries is expected.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of Ayush will host a dedicated side event on Ashwagandha, one of India’s most renowned medicinal plants, showcasing both traditional wisdom and modern scientific research.
The Minister said India continues to lead global efforts in traditional medicine, with Ayush systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy gaining global recognition. He added that the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar reflects international confidence in India’s traditional knowledge systems. He also acknowledged the role of the media in strengthening public awareness and trust in traditional medicine.
The Prime Minister is expected to attend the closing ceremony of the summit.
Dr. Poonam Khetrapal, Regional Director Emeritus of WHO South-East Asia Region and Senior Advisor on Traditional Medicine to the WHO Director-General, said the summit represents a milestone in global health cooperation. She said the event will shape a decade-long roadmap for evidence-based and equitable integration of traditional, complementary and Indigenous medicines into national health systems. She stressed the need for stronger research, innovation and regulatory frameworks to bridge evidence gaps.
A focused side event titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts” will be held from 17–19 December 2025. Organised by WHO-GTMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, the session will convene global experts to discuss contemporary evidence on Ashwagandha’s adaptogenic, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties, while also examining safety assessments to promote global acceptance of high-quality, science-backed products.
The Curtain Raiser comes after the Ambassadors’ Reception held on 9–10 November, where diplomats were briefed on the India–WHO partnership and the global relevance of the summit.
With this, India has formally begun preparations for the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, reaffirming its commitment to advancing holistic, integrative and sustainable healthcare worldwide.
