India’s traditional medicine system, known as AYUSH, has received official recognition in trade agreements signed with Oman and New Zealand, the commerce ministry said on Sunday.

The recognition has been included in two major trade pacts, the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India-New ZealandFree Trade Agreement (FTA).

According to the ministry, both agreements were finalised in December last year and contain separate annexures focused on health-related services and traditional medicine.

“India’s traditional medicine systems (AYUSH) have also received formal recognition in bilateral trade agreements, including the India-Oman CEPA and the India- New Zealand FTA,” it said.

This means systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy are now formally acknowledged under these trade deals.

The commerce ministry also shared export data showing that AYUSH and herbal products are gaining popularity abroad.

  • Exports rose by 6.11 per cent

  • From USD 649.2 million in 2023–24

  • To USD 688.89 million in 2024–25

The increase highlights growing global demand for Indian traditional medicine products.

The inclusion of AYUSH in trade agreements helps give India’s traditional medicine systems official status in international trade, making it easier to promote these products and services overseas.

The ministry’s statement focused on the recognition and export growth, without commenting on future plans or projections.