PIB: Published on 21 July 2026
India’s successful hosting of the BRICS Meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) on July 21, 2026, in Chandigarh marks a notable expansion of the BRICS agenda beyond economics and geopolitics into the realm of health and wellness. Under India’s 2026 Chairship themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation & Sustainability,” the gathering brought together officials and experts from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE.
Key Outcomes and Immediate Significance
The meeting’s primary achievement was the consensus on the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a proposed BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM. This formal structure is expected to drive concrete collaboration in several areas:
- Research and evidence generation
- Education and capacity building
- Regulatory harmonization
- Knowledge sharing and protection of traditional medical knowledge
A dedicated side event on “Capacity Building, Education and Human Resource Development” highlighted academic partnerships, scholarships, faculty/student exchanges, and research initiatives, signaling a long-term commitment to building a “globally connected TCIM ecosystem.”
India leveraged the platform effectively by inaugurating the Ayush Zone, offering immersive experiences in Ayurveda, Yoga, herbal medicine, wellness consultations, and research exhibits. Complementary activities like Chair Yoga, Common Yoga Protocol demonstrations, and the Ayush Aahar Mela underscored India’s soft power in traditional systems.
Broader Context: Why TCIM Matters Now
Global interest in traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has grown significantly. Factors include:
- Post-pandemic demand for resilient and accessible healthcare systems.
- Recognition of holistic approaches in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health.
- Concerns over over-reliance on pharmaceutical solutions and rising healthcare costs.
BRICS nations collectively represent a massive share of the world’s population and possess rich traditional medicine heritage; from India’s Ayush systems and China’s TCM to Brazil’s indigenous practices, Russia’s herbal traditions, and African ethnomedicine. Formalizing cooperation through an Expert Working Group could help standardize practices, facilitate clinical validation, and integrate these systems more effectively into national health policies.
For India, this aligns perfectly with its long-standing push to elevate Ayush globally, including through the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar (praised by Iranian delegates). Hosting the event reinforces India’s leadership role in this domain during its BRICS Chairship.
Geopolitical and Strategic Implications
This health-track initiative reflects BRICS’ evolution as a platform for multipolar cooperation in non-traditional sectors. By focusing on TCIM, members can:
- Reduce dependence on Western-dominated pharmaceutical supply chains.
- Promote South-South knowledge exchange.
- Contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.
The participation of newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE further broadens the bloc’s diversity and reach.
Potential Challenges remain, however. Differences in regulatory standards, varying levels of scientific validation across systems, intellectual property concerns over traditional knowledge, and the need for rigorous evidence-based integration with modern medicine will require careful navigation by the new Expert Working Group.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of the BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM could pave the way for joint research projects, shared databases, harmonized training curricula, and possibly mutual recognition of qualifications or products. As the broader four-day BRICS Health Track in Chandigarh continues (including discussions on resilient health systems and digital health), momentum from the TCIM meeting is likely to influence wider health cooperation within the bloc.
In an era where healthcare resilience and cultural sovereignty are increasingly valued, this initiative positions BRICS as a proactive player in shaping a more pluralistic, inclusive global health architecture; with India playing a pivotal convening and showcasing role. The real test will lie in translating the consensus and ToR into tangible, impactful projects over the coming years.
