India’s Traditional Medicine System AYUSH Earns Official Recognition in Trade Agreements with Oman and New Zealand
India has secured a major diplomatic and economic victory with the formal recognition of its AYUSH systems in two key free trade agreements (FTAs) finalized in December 2025. The India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-New Zealand FTA now include dedicated provisions for traditional medicine, marking a strategic push to boost global exports and acceptance of India’s ancient healing practices.
What AYUSH Recognition Means
AYUSH encompasses India’s traditional healthcare systems: Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. Inclusion in these FTAs provides a clear, legitimate trade category for AYUSH products and services under international trade rules. This move reduces regulatory barriers, simplifies tariffs, and improves market access—key hurdles that have historically limited the sector’s export potential.
Driving Export Growth and Market Access
This recognition comes as AYUSH exports show promising growth. In FY 2024-25, exports of AYUSH and herbal products rose 6.11% to USD 688.89 million. The new trade provisions are expected to accelerate this trend by:
Streamlining export procedures to Oman, a gateway to the lucrative Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
Providing access to New Zealand’s high-value, wellness-oriented consumer base with robust regulatory standards.
Beyond product exports, the agreements are anticipated to benefit allied sectors like wellness tourism, herbal cultivation, and certification services, supporting job creation across rural supply chains.
Strategic Trade Diplomacy
The inclusion of AYUSH reflects India’s broader strategy to diversify its export basket and leverage its soft power in holistic health. By embedding traditional medicine in trade pacts, India positions itself as a global provider of affordable, natural healthcare solutions, complementing its strengths in pharmaceuticals and medical technology.
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Future Outlook
This milestone sets a precedent for future trade deals. With global demand for natural and preventive health rising, India’s established AYUSH ecosystem—supported by initiatives like the AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AyushExcil) and the Ayush Quality Mark—is poised to become a significant export pillar.
In summary, the formal recognition of AYUSH in the India-Oman CEPA and India-New Zealand FTA represents a convergence of trade policy and health diplomacy. It not only honors India’s medical heritage but also lays a foundation for sustained economic engagement in the global wellness arena.
