As the world confronts new stresses on health, society and the environment, a universal realisation is taking shape: restoring balance is no longer a philosophical idea but an urgent global priority. This sense of urgency lies at the heart of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, which India is proud to co-host with the World Health Organisation from 17–19 December 2025 in New Delhi. Guided by the newly adopted WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, the Summit marks a decisive step in elevating traditional knowledge through evidence, innovation and global cooperation.
Traditional Medicine is increasingly recognised as a living, evolving science that can complement conventional healthcare systems and advance Universal Health Coverage. For India, this acknowledgement resonates deeply. Our civilisation has long held a holistic view of well-being —one that sees the individual in harmony with community, nature and the wider universe. Today, that wisdom is finding new relevance through rigorous scientific validation and responsible integration into global health frameworks.
Among India’s vast repository of medicinal plants, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has emerged as a symbol of this convergence between tradition and conventional science. Once known primarily as a Rasayana in Ayurveda and widely used in Ayush systems for enhancing vitality and resilience, it is now studied across the world for its adaptogenic, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory potential. In Ayush systems, Ashwagandha’s roots are used for its health and therapeutic benefits. Rarely has a medicinal plant drawn such simultaneous attention from researchers, clinicians, regulators and global industry leaders.
Rarely has a medicinal plant drawn such simultaneous attention from researchers, clinicians, regulators and global industry leaders.
Recognising this moment, the upcoming Summit will host a dedicated session titled “Ashwagandha: From Traditional Wisdom to Global Impact – Perspectives from Leading Global Experts.” This side event represents more than a technical discussion; it reflects a turning point in how the world views botanicals and their role in the future of healthcare. Over two hours, international experts will explore the growing body of clinical and pre-clinical evidence on Ashwagandha, discuss its safety profiles and pharmacovigilance systems, and place traditional knowledge in dialogue with conventional scientific methodologies. They will also address one of the most critical issues for global acceptance: the standardization of extracts and formulations, so that efficacy and safety remain consistent regardless of where the product is manufactured or consumed.
Such discussions are essential because global trust cannot be built on tradition alone; it must be anchored in evidence. India has undertaken extensive scientific work to establish Ashwagandha’s therapeutic value, but wider international collaboration is crucial for harmonised standards, regulatory convergence and transparent data sharing. This is precisely what the WHO’s Summit framework enables. By inviting scientists, policymakers and knowledge-keepers to a common platform, it helps create pathways that respect cultural heritage while meeting the stringent expectations of conventional health systems.
The significance of Ashwagandha’s journey cannot be separated from the broader themes of the Summit. Traditional medicine is not only about healing individuals; it is deeply tied to biodiversity, sustainability and community livelihoods. The medicinal plants we celebrate today — from Ashwagandha to countless others — are nurtured by ecosystems that must be protected. A holistic approach to health therefore demands ethical sourcing, sustainable cultivation and fair value distribution to farmers and indigenous communities. The Summit’s wider discussions on intellectual property rights, biodiversity preservation and cross-sector innovation reflect this integrated vision.
As global leaders, scientists and practitioners gather in New Delhi, India’s message is simple yet forward-looking: traditional medicine stands as a strong ally in building resilient, affordable and balanced health systems. It offers approaches that are preventive rather than reactive, personalised rather than generic, and rooted in a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of life.
Ashwagandha stands at the forefront of this evolution. It represents how a herb nurtured in India’s soil for millennia can now serve humanity across continents—not by abandoning its heritage, but by embracing scientific validation and global partnerships. Its story reflects the larger journey of Traditional Medicine itself: grounded in ancient wisdom, shaped by conventional science and propelled by a shared commitment to human well-being.
As India welcomes the world to the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing scientific rigour, fostering international cooperation and ensuring that the wisdom of our ancestors continues to illuminate the path to a healthier, more harmonious future.
The writer is Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; views are personal
