Content

1. India–Jordan Relations
2. India’s Traditional Medicine Systems (AYUSH)

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India–Jordan Relations

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Why is this in News?

• 15–16 December 2025: PM Narendra Modi’s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Jordan in 37 years.
• 75th anniversary of India–Jordan diplomatic relations (1950–2025).
• Five MoUs signed covering renewable energy, water management, culture, digital solutions, and heritage twinning (Petra–Ellora).
• India proposed bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion in 5 years.
• Visit occurred amid West Asia instability, highlighting Jordan’s moderating role.

Relevance

GS Paper II – International Relations

• India’s engagement with West Asia beyond the Gulf; diversification of regional diplomacy.
• Bilateral relations: Political, economic, defence, cultural dimensions.
• Counter-terrorism cooperation and shared concerns on regional instability (Gaza, West Asia).
• Role of middle powers in stabilising volatile regions.
• Diaspora diplomacy and people-to-people ties.

Basics at a Glance

• Diplomatic relations established: 1950
• Political system: Constitutional monarchy (King Abdullah II)
• Strategic location: Levant–West Asia bridge; regional stability anchor
• Indian diaspora: ~17,500
• Trade status: India is Jordan’s 3rd–4th largest trading partner
• Countries Surrounding (Bordering) JordanIsrael & Palestine (West Bank) – WestSyria – NorthIraq – EastSaudi Arabia – South and Southeast

Evolution of India–Jordan Relations

Political & Diplomatic Engagement

• Foundational phase (1950–2000): Friendly, low-profile engagement.
• Consolidation phase (2000–2018):
  • King Abdullah II’s 2018 India visit: 12 MoUs; C-DAC IT Centre; USD 5 million pharma aid.
• Strategic deepening (2018–2025):
  • Regular meetings at UNGA, COP-28, G7 (Apulia).
  • Foreign Office Consultations (2025) in Amman.
  • Strong convergence on counter-terrorism, Gaza crisis, regional stability.

Middle power diplomacy; West Asia engagement beyond Gulf.

Trade & Economic Cooperation (Core Pillar)

Trade Profile

• Total trade (2023–24): USD 2.875 billion
• India’s exports: Cereals, frozen meat, petroleum products, animal fodder
• India’s imports: Phosphates, potash (fertilizers)

Strategic Fertilizer Linkage

• Jordan India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO)
  • IFFCO + JPMC
  • Investment: USD 860 million
  • Critical for India’s phosphatic fertilizer security
• Arab Potash Company–IPL MoU
  • 275,000–325,000 tonnes annually for 5 years
• 2022 fertilizer MoUs: USD 1.5 billion

Manufacturing & Investment

• 15+ Indian garment firms in Jordan’s QIZs
• Investment: ~USD 500 million
• Exports under Jordan–US FTA

Supply-chain security, fertilizer diplomacy, South–South economic integration.

Defence & Security Cooperation

• MoU on Defence Cooperation (2018)
• SOFEX 2024: Indian tri-services delegation participated.
• Naval cooperation: Jordanian Royal Navy visit to Kochi & INA Ezhimala.
• Shared stance on terrorism, radicalisation, regional instability.

Defence diplomacy without alliances; counter-terror cooperation.

Science, Technology & Digital Cooperation

• India–Jordan Centre of Excellence in IT (IJCOEIT)
  • Located at Al-Hussein Technical University
  • Equipped with PARAM Shavak supercomputer
  • Target: 3,000 Jordanian professionals trained
• Training areas:
  • Cybersecurity
  • AI & ML
  • Big Data
• 2025 proposal: Linking Jordan’s digital payment system with UPI.

Digital public infrastructure (DPI) as foreign policy tool.

Education & People-to-People Ties

• ITEC slots: 50 annually
• Graduates from India: 2,500+ Jordanians
• 2024–25:
  • 37 civilian ITEC slots
  • 5 ICCR scholarships
• Manpower Agreement (2018)
• Visa facilitation:
  • Visa on Arrival (since 2009)
  • e-Visa (since 2023)
• Direct flight: Amman–Mumbai

Human capital diplomacy; soft power.

Cultural & Civilisational Linkages

• Strong popularity of Indian films and yoga.
• Jerash Festival 2024: Assamese folk dance troupe.
• 2025 MoU:
  • Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–29)
  • Petra–Ellora twinning: heritage diplomacy.

Culture as instrument of strategic trust.

Outcomes of PM Modi’s 2025 Visit

Strategic Outcomes

• First bilateral visit in 37 years → symbolic reset.
• Clear articulation of USD 5 billion trade vision.
• Expanded agenda:
  • Critical minerals
  • Renewable energy
  • Water security
  • Health & pharma
  • Digital transformation

MoUs Signed (5)

1. Renewable energy cooperation
2. Water resource management
3. Petra–Ellora twinning
4. Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–29)
5. Digital public solutions (population-scale)

Strategic Significance for India

• West Asia balancing: Jordan as moderate, stable partner.
• Food & fertilizer security: Critical input supplier.
• Counter-terror convergence: Shared security concerns.
• Digital diplomacy: Exporting India Stack.
• Non-oil West Asia engagement: Diversification beyond Gulf monarchies.

Challenges & Constraints

• Limited trade diversification beyond fertilizers.
• Jordan’s economic constraints and refugee burden.
• Regional volatility (Gaza, Israel–Iran tensions).

Way Forward

• Fast-track CEPA feasibility.
• Long-term fertilizer offtake agreements.
• Scale up UPI-style DPI exports.
• Joint projects in water desalination & renewables.
• Enhanced defence training & counter-terror coordination.

Conclusion

India–Jordan relations exemplify quiet, trust-based diplomacy rooted in economic complementarities, counter-terror cooperation, and people-centric engagement. PM Modi’s 2025 visit marks a strategic upgrade, aligning Jordan firmly within India’s broader West Asia and Global South outreach, while reinforcing India’s image as a reliable economic and technological partner.

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India’s Traditional Medicine Systems (AYUSH)

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Why is this in News?

• India is hosting the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi (17–19 December 2025).
• India hosted the 1st WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine on 17-18 August 2023 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, alongside the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting
• Theme: “Restoring Balance for People and Planet: The Science and Practice of Well-Being.”
• Launch of WHO Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL):
  • World’s largest digital repository on traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.
  • 1.5 million+ records.
• Reinforces India’s leadership following:
  • 1st WHO Global Summit (Gandhinagar, 2023).
  • Establishment of WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar.

Relevance

GS II – Governance & Social Justice

• Public health policy and integration of AYUSH with allopathic systems.
• Role of Ministry of AYUSH in health governance.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and primary healthcare strengthening.
• WHO-led global health governance and India’s leadership role.

GS III – Science & Technology

• Scientific validation of traditional knowledge systems.
• Integration of AI, digital health, evidence-based research in AYUSH.
• Pharmacovigilance, drug standardisation, quality control.

What is Traditional Medicine?

• WHO definition: Knowledge, skills and practices based on theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures, used for health maintenance and disease prevention.
• Global spread:
  • Practised in 170 of 194 WHO member states.
  • Integral to primary healthcare in Asia, Africa, Latin America.

India’s Traditional Medicine Systems (AYUSH)

Formally recognised under the Ministry of AYUSH:

Types of Traditional Medicine Systems (AYUSH) – UPSC-Ready

Ayurveda

• India’s ancient holistic medical system.
• Core principle: Balance of Tridosha – Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
• Focus areas:
  • Preventive healthcare.
  • Lifestyle regulation (Dinacharya, Ritucharya).
  • Herbal formulations, Panchakarma.
• Objective: Harmony of body, mind and spirit.

Unani

• Originated from Greco-Arab medicine; developed in India.
• Core concept: Balance of four humours (Akhlat):
  • Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile, Black bile.
• Emphasises:
  • Dietotherapy (Ilaj-bil-Ghiza).
  • Regimental therapy (Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer).
  • Natural drugs (Ilaj-bil-Dawa).
• Strong focus on lifestyle and temperament (Mizaj).

Sowa-Rigpa (Amchi Medicine)

• Traditional Himalayan medical system.
• Practised in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim.
• Philosophical base:
  • Buddhist principles.
  • Influences from Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine.
• Health based on balance of:
  • Lung (wind), Tripa (bile), Beken (phlegm).
• Uses herbal, mineral and animal-based medicines.

Yoga and Naturopathy

Yoga

• Mind–body discipline rooted in Indian philosophy.
• Components:
  • Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana, Yama–Niyama.
• Promotes:
  • Physical fitness.
  • Mental well-being.
  • Stress management and preventive health.

Naturopathy

• Drugless healing system.
• Principle: Body’s inherent self-healing capacity.
• Methods include:
  • Diet therapy.
  • Hydrotherapy.
  • Fasting, lifestyle correction.
• Emphasis on natural living and prevention.

Siddha

• One of the oldest medical systems, originating in South India.
• Closely associated with Tamil civilisation.
• Core philosophy:
  • Balance of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, with emphasis on minerals.
• Features:
  • Highly individualised treatment.
  • Use of herbs, metals, minerals.
  • Diagnostic tools: pulse, tongue, urine examination.
• Focus on longevity and rejuvenation.

Homoeopathy

• Founded by Samuel Hahnemann.
• Scientific medical system based on:
  • Law of Similars (“like cures like”).
  • Minimum dose principle.
• Treatment:
  • Highly diluted remedies.
  • Individualised prescription.
• Aim: Stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

Core philosophy

• Holistic, preventive, person-centred.
• Emphasis on lifestyle, balance, and long-term well-being.

Institutional Ecosystem under Ministry of AYUSH

Scale of Infrastructure (as on 2024)

• AYUSH hospitals: 3,844
• AYUSH dispensaries: 36,848
• Registered practitioners: 7.55 lakh+
• UG colleges: 886
• PG colleges: 251
• Annual intake:
  • UG: 59,643 seats
  • PG: 7,450 seats

Integration with Public Health System

National AYUSH Mission (NAM) – 2014

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Objective: Mainstream AYUSH into public healthcare.

Co-location model

• PHCs: 2,375
• CHCs: 713
• District Hospitals: 306

Significance

• Single-window access to allopathic + AYUSH care.
• Strengthens primary healthcare and preventive medicine.

Regulation, Research & Quality Control

Regulatory Focus

• Evidence-based practice.
• Drug safety, pharmacovigilance.
• Standardisation via pharmacopoeias.

Research Ecosystem

• Central Councils conduct:
  • Clinical trials.
  • Observational studies.
  • Drug standardisation research.
• Emphasis on:
  • Scientific validation.
  • Safety protocols.
  • Integrative healthcare models.

Major Schemes for Quality & Credibility

National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

• Infrastructure upgradation.
• Supply of essential drugs.
• Integration with PHCs/CHCs/DHs.

Ayurgyan

• Research & innovation scheme.
• Supports:
  • Clinical validation.
  • Medicinal plant research.
  • Drug standardisation.
• Includes Continuing Medical Education (CME).

Ayurswasthya Yojana

• Public health orientation.
• Components:
  • AYUSH Public Health Interventions (PHI).
  • Centres of Excellence (CoE).

AOGUSY

(AYUSH Oushadhi Gunvatta evum Uttapadan Samvardhan Yojana)

• Focus: Quality & regulation of AYUSH drugs.
• Supports:
  • Drug-testing labs.
  • Manufacturing standards.
  • Pharmacovigilance systems.

Medicinal Plants Conservation Scheme

• Sustainable cultivation.
• Farmer support.
• Supply-chain strengthening.
• Biodiversity conservation.

Digitisation & Knowledge Protection

• Ayush Grid: Digital backbone for education, research, services.
• Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL):
  • Prevents bio-piracy.
  • Used by international patent offices.
• Medical Value Travel (MVT):
  • Promotes AYUSH-based wellness tourism.
• International Cooperation (IC):
  • Capacity building, global outreach.

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, 2025

Key Features

• 100+ countries, 170+ speakers.
• 25+ sessions, 21 innovations.
• Representation from 6+ WHO biocultural regions.

Three-Day Focus

• Day 1: Knowledge systems, planetary & human health.
• Day 2: Research, innovation, science of well-being.
• Day 3: Global standards, data systems, AI, implementation.

WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034

Four Core Objectives

1. Evidence generation via quality research and digital tools.
2. Regulatory frameworks for products & practitioners.
3. Integration into health systems, especially primary care.
4. Cross-sectoral value:
   1. Biodiversity.
   1. One Health.
   1. SDG 3.8 (Universal Health Coverage).

Alignment with India

• Matches AYUSH priorities:
  • Scientific validation.
  • Digitisation.
  • Sustainability.
  • Knowledge protection.

Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL)

Significance

• 1.5 million+ records.
• Global evidence maps, policies, standards.
• Integrated with Research4Life for LMICs.

Strategic Value for India

• Positions India as knowledge hub.
• Boosts global confidence in AYUSH systems.
• Supports policymaking and research globally.

Strategic Significance for India

• Health diplomacy: Leadership in global health governance.
• Soft power: Culture-rooted yet science-oriented systems.
• Universal Health Coverage: Affordable, preventive care.
• Economic potential:
  • AYUSH drugs.
  • Wellness tourism.
  • Global markets.
• Environmental synergy: Biodiversity & One Health.

Challenges

• Need for uniform global standards.
• Evidence gaps across systems.
• Risk of over-commercialisation.
• Ensuring ethical sourcing of medicinal plants.

Way Forward

• Scale high-quality clinical research.
• Strengthen global regulatory harmonisation.
• Responsible AI & digital health integration.
• Sustainable medicinal-plant ecosystems.
• Position AYUSH as pillar of Viksit Bharat@2047.

Conclusion

India’s traditional medicine systems represent a unique convergence of ancient wisdom and modern science. By institutionalising quality, integrating AYUSH into public health, digitising knowledge, and shaping WHO-led global frameworks, India is redefining traditional medicine as a credible, evidence-based pillar of global healthcare. The 2nd WHO Global Summit marks a decisive step in transforming traditional medicine from cultural heritage into mainstream global health architecture.