The growing relevance of traditional
systems of medicine in addressing global health challenges and the potential of
Ayush interventions in fostering wellness and resilience even in extreme
ecosystems such as the Arctic were highlighted at the 2025 Arctic Circle
Assembly held in Reykjavík, Iceland.

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic
Sciences (CCRAS) Director-general Prof (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, part of
the Indian delegation, in his address at the plenary session titled, The Role
and Importance of Global South in the Arctic,  also highlighted India’s proactive engagement
in the Arctic region under its comprehensive Arctic Policy. Dr. Srinivas Rao
Chinta, Joint Advisor (Homoeopathy), Ministry of Ayush was also part of the
delegation.

The session was organised by the Government
of India and featured distinguished speakers, including Rear Admiral TVN
Prasanna, Polar Coordinator, Government of India; Manish Tiwari, Scientist F,
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR); and Wassim Said, Steering
Committee Member, Emirates Polar Program, UAE.

Prof Acharya outlined a forward-looking
vision to enhance collaboration between traditional knowledge systems and
Arctic research. He proposed the launch of transdisciplinary proof-of-concept
clinical trials in Arctic settings, the establishment of a joint research
consortium under the Arctic policy architecture, and the development of
capacity in cross-cultural Ayush delivery and safety surveillance. He further
emphasised the need for publishing robust scientific evidence to bridge
traditional and modern medicine and advocated embedding Ayush awareness within
India’s Arctic outreach diplomacy.

This engagement reaffirms India’s position
as a responsible stakeholder promoting holistic wellness, scientific
collaboration, and people-to-people partnerships under its Arctic Policy
framework.