New Delhi: Ayurveda is gaining international recognition amid the expansion of India’s Ayush sector, growing domestic use of traditional medicine and rising demand for wellness and medical value travel.
As India prepares to observe the 11th Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2026, under the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow”, the focus is on integrating traditional knowledge with modern research, quality standards and global healthcare frameworks.
The Ayush market grew from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 43.4 billion in 2023, while exports increased from USD 1.09 billion to USD 2.16 billion. A government survey conducted in 2022–23 found that Ayurveda was the most widely used Ayush system for treatment, reflecting its strong domestic base.
India is also promoting Ayurveda through medical value travel, including the introduction of a dedicated Ayush Visa in 2023. The NITI Aayog’s Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global, released in July 2026, outlines measures to strengthen research, regulation, education, exports and international collaboration.
India’s efforts are aligned with the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034. The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar and the inclusion of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani in ICD-11 further support the documentation and development of traditional medicine. However, experts stress that stronger scientific evidence, safety standards and credible research are essential for Ayurveda’s responsible global expansion.
