Niti Aayog’s Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has released the Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global (2026) to position Ayurveda as a globally recognised, evidence-based healthcare system by 2047. 

Why is Globalisation of Ayurveda Important?

The report highlights that Ayurveda is not merely a traditional healing system but a strategic national asset capable of contributing to healthcare, economic development and India’s global influence.

• India has over 3.55 lakh trained Ayurveda practitioners, making it the world’s largest Ayurveda ecosystem.
• Nearly 95% of qualified Ayurveda professionals are based in India, indicating significant scope for global expansion.
• Ayurveda products are exported to around 150 countries.
• Exports have increased from USD 1.09 billion in 2014 to USD 2.16 billion in 2023, reflecting rising international demand.
• Globalisation of Ayurveda can generate employment, strengthen exports, expand wellness services and promote medical value travel.
• Ayurveda strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy and promotes India’s traditional knowledge systems globally.

Core Challenges to Global Expansion of Ayurveda 

The report identifies several barriers that continue to limit Ayurveda’s global expansion.

• Limited International Recognition: Most countries do not officially recognise Ayurveda as an independent healthcare system, limiting the professional mobility of practitioners.
• Inadequate Scientific Evidence: Although Ayurveda has a long history of clinical practice, more internationally accepted research and clinical trials are required to improve global confidence.
• Regulatory Differences: Different countries follow different regulatory standards for medicines, making approval and market access difficult for Ayurvedic products.
• Quality Standardisation: Variations in manufacturing practices, product quality and certification reduce consumer confidence in international markets.
• Limited Insurance Coverage: Very few countries include Ayurveda under public or private health insurance, reducing its accessibility.
• Weak Global Branding: Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda lacks a coordinated international branding and promotional strategy.

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Niti Aayog’s Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global

To make Ayurveda a globally recognised healthcare system, NITI Aayog has recommended a roadmap focusing on global recognition, scientific validation, quality assurance and international expansion.

Three-Pillar Framework

It identifies the three key areas that must be strengthened to successfully globalise Ayurveda.

• Availability: Expand trained practitioners, manufacturing, exports, research, and standardised education.
• Acceptability: Strengthen regulatory recognition, insurance coverage, international partnerships, and integration into healthcare systems.
• Propagation: Promote global branding, Medical Value Travel, cultural diplomacy, and international outreach.

Key Recommendations of the Strategic Roadmap

To achieve its vision of making Ayurveda a globally recognised healthcare system, the roadmap recommends the following strategic interventions:

Improve Global Recognition

• Create a Global Ayurveda Register (GAR) to maintain a verified database of qualified Ayurveda practitioners worldwide.
• Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) so that Ayurveda qualifications are accepted in more countries.
• Establish a World Federation of Ayurveda and Yoga to strengthen global cooperation and professional exchange.

Strengthen Quality Standards

• Publish an Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia – Export Edition based on international regulatory standards.
• Upgrade manufacturing and quality certification to improve global confidence in Ayurvedic medicines.
• Ensure uniform standards for the safety, quality and efficacy of Ayurveda products.

Promote Scientific Research

• Increase clinical research and scientific studies to generate stronger evidence for Ayurveda.
• Encourage collaboration between industry, universities and research institutions for innovation.
• Use modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve research and quality control.

Expand Global Markets

• Develop a Real-Time Ayurveda Trade Dashboard to monitor exports and identify new market opportunities.
• Increase exports of value-added Ayurvedic medicines instead of mainly exporting raw medicinal plants.
• Promote Medical Value Travel (Heal in India) by integrating Ayurveda with healthcare and wellness tourism.

Develop Human Resources

• Establish International Ayurveda Centres of Excellence for education, research and clinical practice.
• Expand Ayurveda education through international partnerships, Ayush Chairs and scholarships.
• Build a globally competent workforce of Ayurveda practitioners and researchers.

Strengthen Global Outreach

• Develop a unified global branding strategy to improve the international image of Ayurveda.
• Work with WHO and other international organisations for wider global acceptance.
• Position Ayurveda as an evidence-based, preventive and holistic healthcare system while strengthening India’s health diplomacy and soft power.

Phased Implementation

The roadmap proposes a phased strategy extending up to 2047.

Phase I (Up to 2029): Building the Foundation

• Focus on creating the institutional, regulatory and quality framework required for the global expansion of Ayurveda.

Phase II (2030–2035): Expanding Global Presence

• Focus on increasing international acceptance, strengthening partnerships, improving market access and expanding Ayurveda’s presence across major global regions.

Phase III (2036–2047): Achieving Global Integration

• Focus on integrating Ayurveda into national healthcare systems, strengthening evidence-based practice, expanding insurance coverage and establishing India as a global leader in traditional medicine.

Governance and Institutional Mechanism

To ensure coordinated and effective implementation of the roadmap, the report proposes a dedicated governance structure involving multiple stakeholders.

• Mission Steering Group (MSG): Establish a high-level body chaired by the Union Minister of Ayush to provide strategic direction, oversee implementation, and monitor progress.
• Global Ayurveda Forum: Create a dedicated platform to coordinate efforts among government ministries, industry, academia, research institutions, and international partners.
• Milestone-based implementation: Execute the roadmap through time-bound milestones, clearly defined responsibilities, and outcome-based monitoring.
• Inter-agency coordination: Strengthen collaboration among the Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to ensure policy convergence.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Develop transparent progress dashboards and periodic review mechanisms to track implementation and improve accountability.