India’s Strategic Engagement at Reykjavík
At the 2025 Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík, Iceland, India’s delegation, led by Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), and Dr. Srinivas Rao Chinta, Joint Advisor (Homoeopathy) at the Ministry of Ayush, showcased India’s commitment to integrating traditional medicine into global health and sustainability dialogues.
Ayush in the Arctic: A Vision for Wellness
During the plenary session, “The Role and Importance of the Global South in the Arctic,” Prof. Acharya highlighted India’s Arctic Policy and the growing significance of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda in addressing global health challenges. He emphasized the potential of Ayush interventions to promote wellness and resilience in extreme environments, such as the Arctic’s unique ecosystem.
Key Proposals for Collaboration
Prof. Acharya proposed several innovative initiatives to strengthen ties between traditional knowledge and Arctic research:
- Transdisciplinary Clinical Trials: Launching proof-of-concept trials to explore Ayush applications in Arctic settings.
- Joint Research Consortium: Establishing a collaborative research framework under India’s Arctic Policy.
- Cross-Cultural Ayush Delivery: Building capacity for safe and effective delivery of Ayush practices in diverse cultural contexts.
- Scientific Evidence and Outreach: Publishing robust research to bridge traditional and modern medicine while embedding Ayush awareness in India’s Arctic diplomacy.
Distinguished Speakers and India’s Arctic Commitment
The session, organized by the Government of India, featured prominent voices, including Rear Admiral T.V.N. Prasanna, Polar Coordinator; Manish Tiwari, Scientist F at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR); and Wassim Said, Steering Committee Member of the Emirates Polar Program, UAE. Their contributions underscored India’s multifaceted engagement in the Arctic.
Advancing Global Health and Sustainability
The Ministry of Ayush’s participation reflects India’s dedication to integrating evidence-based traditional medicine, innovation, and diplomacy into global sustainability efforts. By fostering scientific collaboration and people-to-people partnerships, India reaffirms its role as a responsible stakeholder in promoting holistic wellness under its Arctic Policy framework.