India’s traditional medicine systems, collectively known as AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), have received formal recognition in the country’s bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with Oman and New Zealand, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported.
The agreements, finalized in December 2025, include dedicated annexures addressing health-related services and traditional medicine, marking a significant step in promoting AYUSH on the global stage.
The recognition allows for the promotion, trade, and export of AYUSH products and services under structured regulatory and quality standards agreed upon in the FTAs. It also provides a framework for collaboration in research, training, and certification of traditional medicine practitioners, facilitating international cooperation in areas such as herbal products, wellness tourism, and integrative medicine.
India has been actively advocating for AYUSH globally, with its inclusion in international trade agreements seen as a strategy to enhance market access, increase exports, and encourage cross-border exchange of knowledge in preventive and holistic healthcare.
These FTAs are expected to create regulatory clarity and mutual recognition standards, benefiting exporters, healthcare providers, and practitioners involved in AYUSH services.
According to the commerce ministry, these developments align with India’s broader goals of strengthening its traditional medicine sector, boosting economic growth, and promoting the use of Ayurveda and other traditional systems in global healthcare markets.
