New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the second international WHO summit on traditional medicine held here.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the growing role of traditional medicine in promoting holistic health, preventive care and overall well-being, officials said.

Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the newly constructed WHO South-East Asia Regional Office in the national capital, marking a key milestone in India's collaboration with the global health body.

At the event, the Prime Minister released the WHO report on yoga practice and unveiled a book titled '11 Years of Transformation in the AYUSH Sector'. He also released a commemorative postage stamp on 'Ashwagandha', highlighting India's emphasis on traditional medicinal systems.

Modi further presented awards to individuals who made significant contributions to the promotion and development of yoga during the period from 2021 to 2025.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he had a “fruitful discussion” with Dr Tedros on the “immense potential of traditional medicine in promoting holistic health, preventive care, and well-being”.

The WHO traditional medicine summit brought together global policymakers, health experts and practitioners to discuss integration of traditional medicine systems with modern healthcare, research collaborations and regulatory frameworks.

India has been playing an active role in advancing traditional medicine globally, particularly through initiatives related to AYUSH systems and yoga, officials added.