NEW DELHI | December 20, 2025
The World Health Organization’s Global Summit on Traditional Medicine concluded in New Delhi on Friday , with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the event as a milestone of global significance and underlining the growing international relevance of traditional healthcare systems, including yoga.
The second edition of the summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, was attended by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, senior global health officials, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the world. On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Modi and Dr. Tedros jointly inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) complex in Delhi, a move expected to strengthen regional health initiatives and cross-country collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said the success of the summit reflected a shared global vision toward integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare systems. He emphasized that yoga, a key component of traditional medicine, has shown the world a path toward health, balance, and harmony, gaining widespread acceptance across cultures and continents.
Global Recognition of Yoga
The prime minister recalled that India’s sustained efforts, supported by more than 175 countries, led the United Nations to declare June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. He acknowledged the contributions of individuals and institutions worldwide who have played a critical role in promoting yoga and expanding its global reach.
Honoring Excellence in Yoga Promotion
During the closing ceremony, Modi also felicitated the recipients of the Prime Minister’s Yoga Awards for the 2021–2025 period, recognizing outstanding and consistent contributions to the promotion and development of yoga. The awards aim to honor excellence, dedication, and long-term impact in advancing yoga as a global wellness practice.
Reiterating the importance of traditional medicine, the prime minister said practices such as yoga are increasingly relevant in addressing modern lifestyle challenges and improving overall public health. He stressed that blending ancient knowledge with contemporary science can help build more resilient and inclusive healthcare systems.
The summit’s conclusion marked a significant step in reinforcing India’s leadership role in the global dialogue on traditional medicine, with the newly inaugurated WHO SEARO complex set to serve as a hub for regional cooperation and policy coordination in the years ahead.
