Yoga Promoted as a Key to Health at BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting

During the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the importance of yoga in preventing non-communicable diseases. With representatives from 21 countries participating in a yoga session, the event underscored the BRICS agenda's focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and traditional medicine. Srivastava noted the global recognition of yoga, particularly following India's establishment of International Yoga Day. The meeting aims to enhance cooperation in health security, pandemic preparedness, and access to affordable medicines, reflecting India's commitment to global health priorities.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 09:48 IST

Significance of Yoga in Health

On Wednesday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava emphasized the vital role of yoga in combating non-communicable and lifestyle diseases. This statement came during a yoga session attended by delegates from 21 nations, held alongside the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting in Chandigarh.

In her remarks to the press, Srivastava explained that the event aligns with the BRICS health agenda, which aims to promote healthy living and integrate traditional and complementary medicine. "With representatives from 21 countries participating, today's session is crucial. Our agenda includes tracks on healthy lifestyles and traditional medicine, which is why we organized this yoga session," she stated.

Global Recognition of Yoga

Srivastava noted that yoga has gained international acclaim, particularly after India's initiative to establish the International Day of Yoga through the United Nations. "Thanks to India's efforts, the UN has recognized International Yoga Day, and yoga is now celebrated globally. Today's participation reflects a strong global interest in yoga, which can significantly help in preventing emerging non-communicable and lifestyle diseases," she added.

Overview of the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting

A press conference was conducted in Chandigarh on Tuesday, where Punya Srivastava and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, discussed the meeting's preparations, agenda, and anticipated outcomes.

During the briefing, Srivastava highlighted India's commitment to advancing global health priorities as part of its BRICS Chairship in 2026, under the theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Focus Areas of the Meeting

The discussions at the Ministerial Meeting will center on enhancing collaboration in various domains, including health security, pandemic preparedness, digital health, innovation, access to affordable medicines, traditional medicine, tuberculosis, healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and resilient health systems. The ultimate goal is to achieve Universal Health Coverage and improve health outcomes across BRICS nations.

India's Role in BRICS Health Cooperation

This marks India's fourth time chairing BRICS, following previous terms in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Under the theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," India prioritizes health cooperation as a key aspect of its BRICS agenda, demonstrating its commitment to fostering an inclusive global health framework.

The meeting will convene Health Ministers, senior officials, and experts from the eleven BRICS member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Collectively, these nations account for nearly half of the global population and approximately 40% of the world's GDP, highlighting BRICS' increasing influence in global health cooperation.