In a major boost to India’s soft power and wellness diplomacy, the country’s traditional medicine systems under AYUSH have received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand, the Ministry of Commerce said.

The landmark development comes as part of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), both finalized in December 2025.

Significantly, each pact includes dedicated annexures on health-related services and traditional medicine, marking a clear acknowledgment of AYUSH systems on the global trade platform.

The ministry said this recognition reflects growing international acceptance of India’s holistic healthcare practices, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, and opens new pathways for market access, collaboration and regulatory facilitation in partner countries.

This strategic push is already translating into strong export performance.

Exports of AYUSH and herbal products rose by 6.11 per cent, climbing from US $649.2 million in 2023–24 to US $688.89 million in 2024–25, underlining the rising global demand for Indian traditional medicine and natural wellness products.

By embedding AYUSH in formal trade frameworks, India is not only protecting its traditional knowledge systems but also positioning them as competitive, credible offerings in the international healthcare and wellness economy.