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Yoga & Ayurveda: India's New Trade & Health Export Powerhouse
6 Sep
Summary
- India integrates Yoga and Ayurveda into global health and diplomatic strategy.
- Trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand include AYUSH practitioner mobility.
- Ayush visa and overseas education programs expand sector's international reach.
India is increasingly integrating Yoga and Ayurveda into its global health and diplomatic strategy, aiming to expand their international presence through medical tourism, education, and trade. This shift is evident in recent trade agreements, such as the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement operationalized in June 2026 and the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement signed in January 2026. These pacts feature provisions for health services and traditional medicine, easing licensing and promoting the mobility of AYUSH practitioners.
The India-European Union FTA, also signed in January 2026, further supports AYUSH practitioners by allowing them to use Indian qualifications in EU countries lacking regulatory frameworks. These agreements aim to formalize AYUSH as a significant health services opportunity, moving beyond its cultural export status. The New Zealand agreement specifically includes a dedicated annex for traditional medicine and structured mobility pathways for AYUSH professionals.
To convert market access into demand, India focuses on establishing credible standards, evidence, and regulation. The Ayush visa, introduced in 2023, has facilitated foreign nationals' travel for treatment, with significant numbers arriving from countries like Bangladesh and the UAE. Overseas education through the Ayush Fellowship Scheme is also a key channel, with 260 students from 32 countries studying AYUSH in India.
