India–South Africa Traditional Medicines Symposium and Exhibition Held in Durban

The Consulate General of India, Durban, in partnership with the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, and the CRL Rights Commission, Government of South Africa, organised the inaugural India–South Africa Traditional Medicines Symposium and Exhibition on 10–11 October 2026 in Durban. The event brought together government leaders, traditional health practitioners, researchers, healthcare experts and business representatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation in traditional medicine.

The symposium opened with remarks by Consul General Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola, alongside Ms Banu Prakash, Deputy High Commissioner of India; Ms Thoko Xaluva Mkhwanazi, Chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission; and Ms Thandaza Shandu, Deputy Director-General, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. H.E. Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Government of South Africa, delivered the keynote address and inaugurated the exhibition.

Expert presentations by Ms Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Ayush; Mr Fhatuwani Bruce Mbedzi, Director, Department of Health; Ms Sheila Mbele, Chairperson of the Traditional Health Practitioners Council of South Africa; Dr N. S. Sarin, representing the Forum on Indian Traditional Medicine; Dr Shobhit Kumar of NITI Aayog; and Dr Shalin Bharati of Arujiva Ayurveda Hospital explored traditional healing practices, AYUSH systems, quality standards, regulatory frameworks and opportunities for research and trade. Panel discussions addressed evidence-based practices, safety and future collaboration.

The exhibition featured over 20 organisations, including nine from India, showcasing products, services and innovations. Business-to-business engagements opened new avenues for commercial cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Arujiva Ayurveda and Naturopathy Hospital, India, and Lady Bird Travel, South Africa.

A key highlight was the inauguration of the AYUSH Information Cell at the Consulate General of India, Durban, by H.E. Narend Singh, Ms Monalisa Dash, Acting High Commissioner Ms Banu Prakash and Consul General Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola. Supported by the Ministry of Ayush, the Cell will serve as a focal point for AYUSH-related information, promotion and engagement across KwaZulu-Natal and neighbouring provinces.

An Ayurveda garden was also inaugurated at the historic Phoenix Settlement by Hon’ble Ela Gandhi and the visiting Indian dignitaries, highlighting medicinal plants, biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Yoga sessions held on both days further showcased the role of traditional wellness practices in promoting holistic wellbeing.

The symposium marked an important step towards strengthening India–South Africa partnerships in traditional medicine, preserving traditional knowledge and advancing cooperation in research, institutional engagement, trade and investment.