The Ayush Ministry announced that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signifies a significant advancement for India in traditional medicine and holistic healthcare on the global stage. This agreement places Ayush systems at the forefront of a new international cooperation framework. New Zealand has, for the first time, agreed to a dedicated ‘Health and Traditional Medicine Annexe’ under an FTA with India, fostering trade in Ayurveda, yoga, and other traditional medicine services.
This provision in the FTA formally recognizes India’s rich wellness heritage and positions Ayush as a contemporary and globally relevant healthcare solution, aligning it with indigenous Māori health practices. The agreement opens up market access in various service sectors, offering new opportunities for Indian Ayush practitioners, wellness institutions, and service providers to engage with the New Zealand market.
The FTA strengthens India’s leadership in preventive, promotive, and integrative healthcare models by promoting cooperation in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. It is expected to enhance medical value travel, encourage research collaboration, and support the international expansion of India’s wellness ecosystem.
A dedicated visa quota will allow Ayush practitioners, Yoga instructors, and other Indian cultural and knowledge professionals to work in New Zealand for extended periods. The FTA also formalizes technical cooperation in Ayush and traditional knowledge systems, paving the way for long-term collaboration in education, training, standards development, and wellness services.
By incorporating traditional medicine into a modern trade framework, the Agreement underscores a joint commitment to sustainable health practices and people-centric development. This FTA marks a significant milestone in transitioning Ayush from national heritage to a prominent player in global healthcare.
