India is leveraging its centuries-old Ayurvedic knowledge to expand the Ayush economy, promote wellness tourism and strengthen global collaborations. The 11th Ayurveda Day focuses on responsible growth, research, quality standards and evidence.
On September 23, 2026, India celebrates its 11th Ayurveda Day with a focus on 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow'. This comes at a time when India is seeking to connect its centuries-old knowledge system with modern research, quality standards and international healthcare frameworks. The goal is not merely to take Ayurveda to the world but to build the evidence, credibility and institutional foundations that can support its responsible global growth.
Over the past decade, the Ayush sector has witnessed significant economic expansion, growing from USD 2.85 billion in 2014 to USD 43.4 billion in 2023. Ayurveda exports also increased from USD 1.09 billion to USD 2.16 billion during the same period. Government initiatives have strengthened MSMEs and startups, creating a broader ecosystem for entrepreneurship, innovation and investment in the sector.
The growing domestic acceptance of Ayush systems provides another important foundation for this expansion. The first exclusive All-India Survey on Ayush, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office during July 2022–June 2023, found that 46.3 per cent of rural residents and 52.9 per cent of urban residents had used Ayush for treatment or prevention during the preceding 365 days.
India is also seeking to leverage the growing global demand for holistic healthcare through medical value travel. A dedicated Ayush Visa was introduced on July 27, 2023, for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush systems. The Government has also partnered with the India Tourism Development Corporation to identify tourism circuits with potential for Ayurveda and other traditional systems.
A significant policy development in this direction has been the release of NITI Aayog’s ‘Strategic Roadmap for Making Ayurveda Global’ in July 2026. This long-term pathway up to 2047 focuses on regulation and standards, research, education, international collaboration, exports, branding and medical value travel.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
