India is preparing an ambitious roadmap to establish Ayurveda as a globally recognised healthcare system by 2047, shifting its international positioning from a wellness-based tradition to an evidence-backed medical discipline. The strategy, prepared by NITI Aayog in collaboration with consultancy firm PwC, outlines a comprehensive plan to strengthen Ayurveda’s global presence through research, education, regulation and international partnerships.
The roadmap seeks to move beyond the export of Ayurvedic products and instead build institutions that promote Ayurveda as an integral component of healthcare systems worldwide. It recommends creating a global registry of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners, establishing internationally accepted quality standards, expanding insurance coverage for Ayurvedic treatments, and increasing collaboration with foreign universities and healthcare institutions.
One of the key proposals is the establishment of Ayurveda centres at prominent international locations, including New York’s Times Square and near the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva. These centres would function as hubs for treatment, education, research and public awareness, helping introduce Ayurveda to wider global audiences. The roadmap also recommends launching Ayurveda electives in overseas medical schools and creating an international alumni network to promote the traditional Indian system of medicine abroad.
According to the report, Ayurveda is currently recognised in nearly 30 countries through different licensing systems, academic collaborations and national health policies. India has more than 3.5 lakh trained Ayurvedic practitioners, but about 95% of them practice within the country, limiting its global outreach. Although exports of Ayurvedic products have expanded significantly over the past decade, many are still classified as dietary supplements rather than medicines in international markets because of regulatory barriers.
The roadmap identifies scientific validation as one of the most important priorities for expanding Ayurveda globally. It calls for increased investment in clinical research, standardised treatment protocols, quality assurance and evidence generation to strengthen confidence among healthcare professionals, regulators and patients worldwide. The strategy also recommends harmonising manufacturing standards and improving product quality to meet international regulatory requirements.
Drawing lessons from China’s success in promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine internationally, the report suggests adopting a coordinated approach involving government agencies, academic institutions, healthcare providers and industry stakeholders. It also highlights the need for multilingual public awareness campaigns, stronger regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to address misconceptions and improve global acceptance of Ayurveda.
Medical value tourism forms another important pillar of the strategy. The roadmap proposes expanding Ayurveda-based wellness hubs, integrating them with India’s healthcare ecosystem and promoting specialised treatment packages supported by the Ayush Visa programme. These initiatives are expected to strengthen India’s position as a destination for preventive healthcare, holistic wellness and traditional medicine.
If implemented successfully, the roadmap could transform Ayurveda into a globally accessible healthcare system by India’s centenary of Independence in 2047. By combining scientific research, international collaboration, quality regulation and institutional development, the government aims to position Ayurveda as an important contributor to global healthcare while enhancing India’s soft power and leadership in traditional medicine.
