BRICS Nations Strengthen TCIM, Form Expert Working Group
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
India, under its BRICS 2026 presidency, hosted a meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Chandigarh on July 21, 2026. The meeting led to the formation of a BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM, marking a significant step in multilateral health cooperation.
Background
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies. India holds the presidency in 2026. TCIM encompasses traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, etc. The meeting was part of a four-day BRICS Health Track event jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of AYUSH.
Key facts
India hosted the BRICS meeting on Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) in Chandigarh on July 21, 2026.
The meeting was part of a four-day BRICS Health Track event under India's BRICS 2026 presidency.
Participating countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and UAE.
Terms of Reference (ToR) for a BRICS Expert Working Group on TCIM were finalized by consensus.
Discussions focused on evidence-based traditional medicine, institutional partnerships, and sustainable healthcare.
A dedicated side event on 'Capacity Building, Education and Human Resource Development' was organized by the Ministry of AYUSH.
The 'AYUSH Zone' was inaugurated to showcase India's holistic healthcare initiatives, including AYUSH diet, health consultations, and herbal heritage.
Wellness activities included Chair Yoga sessions, Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstrations, Y-Break sessions, and a 'Fit India Run'.
The 'AYUSH Aahar Mela' was organized with technical support from the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA).
The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration, align policy approaches, and identify future areas of cooperation in TCIM.
Prelims pointers
- BRICS 2026 presidency: India
- TCIM: Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Ministry of AYUSH
- AYUSH Zone
- Common Yoga Protocol (CYP)
- Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY)
- National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA)
- Fit India Run
- Chandigarh
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of traditional medicine in global healthcare and India's initiatives to promote it through platforms like BRICS.
- Critically examine the potential of BRICS cooperation in health, especially in integrating traditional and modern medicine.
- Evaluate India's soft power diplomacy through AYUSH and its impact on international relations.