Ayush Sector Expands Globally: Ayurveda Recognized in 25+ Countries, Market Soars to $23.3 Billion
Ayurveda is now officially recognized as a traditional medicine system in more than 25 countries, marking a major milestone for India’s Ayush sector. The industry has seen substantial growth, with its market size surging from $3 billion in 2014 to $23.3 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%.
- By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
- New Delhi
- Feb 17, 2025
Ayurveda is now officially recognized as a traditional medicine system in more than 25 countries, marking a major milestone for India’s Ayush sector. The industry has seen substantial growth, with its market size surging from $3 billion in 2014 to $23.3 billion in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17%, according to Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav.
Medical Tourism on the Rise with Ayush Visa
Highlighting the sector’s international appeal, Jadhav noted that Ayush-based medical tourism has been on the rise, facilitated by the introduction of the Ayush Visa. “The expansion of Ayush-based medical tourism, facilitated by the Ayush Visa, has increased the number of international patients seeking treatment in India,” he said.
Growing Domestic Awareness of Ayush
The Ayush system has also gained strong recognition within India. Citing data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) as part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) conducted between July 2022 and June 2023, Jadhav revealed that 95% of rural and 96% of urban respondents are aware of Ayush.
Ayush Exports and Startups Flourish
The export of Ayush products has witnessed steady growth, rising from $1.09 billion in 2014 to $1.54 billion in 2020. Additionally, over 900 startups in the Ayush sector have been recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), with more than half of them originating from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. “Ayush treatments have been integrated into government hospitals, benefiting 5.4 crore patients,” Jadhav stated in his recent reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Government Policies Boost Investments in Ayush
To attract global investments, the Indian government has permitted 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Ayush sector. “The sector’s growth has led to a boost in manufacturing and exports, with over 53,000 MSMEs receiving support,” Jadhav said.
As part of its investment push, the Ministry of Ayush has also set up the Strategic Policy and Facilitation Bureau (SPFB) in collaboration with Invest India under the DPIIT. The bureau focuses on strategic policymaking, investment facilitation, and stakeholder engagement to promote both domestic and foreign investments.
Global Interest in Ayush Sector Grows
India’s efforts to promote Ayush on the global stage are paying off. Jadhav highlighted the Ministry of Ayush’s role in organizing a B2B Conference under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on Traditional Medicine in 2023, which generated investment interest worth ₹590 crore.
With Ayurveda’s international recognition and the Ayush sector’s rapid growth, India is positioning itself as a global leader in traditional medicine and holistic healthcare.