Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (TM) in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted that over the past three days, experts from across the world in the field of TM have engaged in serious and meaningful discussions. 

“It is India’s privilege and a matter of pride that the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine has been established in Jamnagar,” said the PM.

He recalled that in 2022, during the first TM Summit, the world entrusted India with this responsibility with great confidence. He noted that the summit is witnessing the confluence of traditional knowledge and modern practices, and several new initiatives have been launched here which can transform the future of medical science and holistic health.

He emphasised that the summit has facilitated dialogue among health ministers and representatives of various countries, which has opened new avenues for promoting joint research, simplifying regulations, and advancing training and knowledge sharing. The PM underlined that such cooperation will play a vital role in making traditional medicine safer and more trustworthy in the future.

Highlighting the consensus reached on several important issues during the summit reflects the strength of global partnerships, Modi remarked that strengthening research, increasing the use of digital technology in the field of TM and creating regulatory frameworks that can be trusted worldwide will greatly empower TM.

He further noted that the expo showcased digital health technology, AI-based tools, research innovations and modern wellness infrastructure, which together demonstrated a new collaboration between tradition and technology.

“Yoga is an integral part of the Traditional Medicine system and has shown the path of health, balance, and harmony to the entire world,” exclaimed the PM.

He recalled that through India’s efforts and the support of more than 175 countries, the United Nations (UN) declared 21 June as International Yoga Day.

He also highlighted the launch of the TM Global Library as a global platform that will preserve scientific data and policy documents related to TM in one place. He recalled that the announcement of this library was made during India’s G20 Presidency at the first WHO Global Summit, and that commitment has been realised.

Highlighting that health ministers from different countries have presented an excellent example of global partnership, the PM remarked that as partners, discussions have taken place on issues such as standards, safety and investment. He noted that this dialogue has paved the way for the Delhi Declaration, which will serve as a shared roadmap for the coming years.

The PM also inaugurated the new WHO-South East Asia Regional Office complex in Delhi, which will also house the WHO India Country Office, marking a significant milestone in India’s partnership with the World Health Organization. The office will serve as a global hub to promote research, regulation and capacity building.

Stressing that India is focusing on partnerships of healing across the world, PM Modi shared two significant collaborations, noting that the first is the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE)  for BIMSTEC countries, covering South and South-East Asia, and the second is a collaboration with Japan aimed at integrating science, traditional practices and health.

The PM highlighted that the theme of this summit, ‘Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being,’ reflects the foundational thought of holistic health. He remarked that Ayurveda equates balance with health, and only those whose bodies maintain this balance are truly healthy.

He pointed out that today, diseases ranging from diabetes, heart attacks and depression to cancer often have lifestyle and imbalances as their underlying causes, including work-life imbalance, diet imbalance, sleep imbalance, gut microbiome imbalance, calorie imbalance, and emotional imbalance.

He stressed that many global health challenges are arising from these imbalances, with studies and data confirming the same, and acknowledged that health experts understand this even better. The PM underlined that ‘Restoring Balance’ is not just a global cause, but a global urgency, and he called for faster steps to address it.

Modi highlighted that the advent of a new technological era, with AI and robotics, represents the biggest transformation in human history, and in the coming years the way of living will change in unprecedented ways.

The PM remarked that when TM is discussed, a natural question arises regarding safety and evidence. He highlighted that India is consistently working in this direction. He noted that during this summit, the example of Ashwagandha was presented. He emphasised that for centuries Ashwagandha has been used in India’s TM systems.

Modi pointed out that during COVID-19, its global demand rose sharply and it began to be used in many countries. He underlined that India, through its research and evidence-based validation, is advancing Ashwagandha in a credible manner. He stated that during the summit, a special global discussion on Ashwagandha was organised. He mentioned that international experts deliberated on its safety, quality and usage. The PM affirmed that India is fully committed to make such time-tested herbs a part of global public health.

Modi remarked that traditional medicine can play an effective role even in critical situations, and India is moving forward with this vision. He expressed happiness that the Ministry of AYUSH and the WHO-TM Centre have launched a new initiative.

He noted that both have made a joint effort to strengthen integrative cancer care in India, under which traditional medical systems will be combined with modern cancer treatment. He emphasized that this initiative will also help in preparing evidence-based guidelines.

The PM pointed out that several important institutions in India are conducting clinical studies on serious health issues such as anemia, arthritis and diabetes. He stated that many start-ups in India have also entered this field, with youthful energy joining ancient tradition.

He remarked that TM today stands at a decisive turning point. He highlighted that a large section of the global population has long relied on it, yet it has not received the place it truly deserves despite its immense potential.

He emphasised that trust must be won through science and its reach must be expanded further. He underlined that this responsibility does not lie with any single nation, but is a shared duty of all. The PM noted that the participation, dialogue and commitment witnessed during the past three days of this summit have deepened the belief that the world is ready to move forward together in this direction. He called upon everyone to resolve to advance TM with trust, respect and responsibility.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO, Union Ministers JP Nadda and Prataprao Jadhav were present, among other dignitaries at the event.

On the occasion, PM released the WHO technical report on training in Yoga and the book “From Roots to Global Reach: 11 Years of Transformation in AYUSH.” He also released a commemorative postal stamp on Ashwagandha, symbolising the global resonance of India’s TM heritage.

The PM felicitated the recipients of the PM’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga for the years 2021–2025, recognising their sustained dedication to Yoga and its global promotion. The awards reaffirm yoga as a timeless practice for balance, well-being and harmony, contributing to a healthier and stronger New India.