India Begins Countdown to WHO Medicine Summit

On 8th December 2025, India officially launched the countdown to the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, set to take place from 17-19 December 2025 in New Delhi, with the Ministry of Ayush outlining the event’s theme, focus areas and international participation during a Curtain Raiser held at the National Media Centre.

India announced that it will host the second edition of the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine after the success of the inaugural 2023 event in Gujarat, marking a major step in the global mainstreaming of traditional healing systems.
The summit aligns with India’s traditional philosophy of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah,” reinforcing the nation’s leadership role in promoting health and well-being through time-tested medical systems.
The Minister revealed that the 2025 summit will centre on the theme “Restoring balance: The science and practice of health and well-being,” which will guide deliberations among ministers, policymakers, global health leaders, researchers, industry representatives and practitioners.
More than 100 countries are expected to participate in the summit, reflecting growing international interest in evidence-based traditional, complementary and Indigenous medical practices.
The Ministry of Ayush announced a dedicated side event highlighting Ashwagandha, one of India’s most recognised medicinal plants, with sessions showcasing both traditional knowledge and scientific research on its therapeutic benefits.