Niti Aayog proposes global licensing framework to boost Ayurveda
New Delhi, July 2
Niti Aayog on Thursday unveiled a strategic roadmap to accelerate the globalisation of Ayurveda, saying that expanding the traditional system of medicine worldwide can unlock significant opportunities in healthcare, wellness products and medical value travel while strengthening India's position as a global leader in traditional medicine.
In its report titled Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global, Niti Aayog said Ayurveda is already a well-recognised and regulated traditional system of medicine in India and has steadily expanded its international footprint through government initiatives, bilateral collaborations and academic partnerships.
The report said Ayurveda is now formally recognised in nearly 30 countries through different licensing models, academic collaborations and inclusion in national health policies.
However, it noted that global expansion remains uneven and requires a structured strategy to improve international acceptance and accessibility.
According to the report, Ayurveda has the potential to generate substantial economic benefits by boosting markets for health products, wellness services and medical value travel.
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach combining secondary research with extensive consultations involving government ministries, regulatory bodies, industry associations, academic institutions, research organisations, manufacturers, service providers and international organisations.
Niti Aayog said the roadmap is built around three pillars -- Availability, Acceptability and Propagation -- covering areas such as workforce development, manufacturing and exports, research, education, regulatory compliance, insurance coverage, cultural adaptation, branding and global visibility.
The report highlighted that India has a strong domestic ecosystem with more than 355,000 trained Ayurveda practitioners, although around 95 per cent of qualified professionals continue to be based within the country, limiting international practitioner availability.
It noted that Ayurveda products are currently exported to around 150 countries, with exports rising from USD 1.09 billion in 2014 to USD 2.16 billion in 2023. However, most products are marketed overseas as dietary supplements because of regulatory constraints, limiting the export of finished Ayurvedic pharmaceutical products.
The report also said international Ayurveda research now spans nearly 70 countries, supported by global institutional collaborations and the World Health Organization Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar. India has also awarded scholarships to 277 international students from 32 countries and established Ayush academic chairs in universities abroad, although globally standardised Ayurveda curricula are still evolving.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I'm skeptical. Ayurveda is often met with skepticism in the West because of lack of rigorous clinical trials. The report mentions research partnerships, but we need more peer-reviewed studies. Also, ensuring that these products are safe and not just marketed as 'natural' is critical. Let's not repeat the mistakes of some traditional medicine exports that faced bans.
Proud moment! My grandmother used to swear by Ayurveda for every ailment. The fact that it's now being recognized in 30 countries is huge. But I wish the report also addressed challenges like fake Ayurvedic products flooding the market overseas. We need strict quality checks and a global certification system, just like the one proposed for yoga teachers.
As someone who has used Ayurvedic products for years in the UK, this is great news! The biggest challenge for me has been finding authentic products. A global licensing framework could help. But Niti Aayog should also focus on making Ayurveda more accessible—like integrating it with local healthcare systems rather than just selling it as a premium wellness product.
This is excellent for medical value travel! Imagine combining a vacation with authentic Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala or Karnataka. The report mentions economic benefits, and tourism will be a big part of it. But we need better infrastructure and trained staff. Also, let's not forget to promote to countries like Japan and Korea where natural medicine is already popular.
I'm cautiously optimistic. Ayurveda has a lot to offer, but the regulatory hurdles are real. Many countries require clinical trials that are expensive and time-consuming. The report's three-pillar
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