India and Indonesia Sign Landmark MoU on Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance

New Delhi: Strengthening bilateral cooperation in traditional medicine, India and Indonesia exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance on January 25, 2025, at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. The exchange took place in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking a new milestone in collaboration between the two nations.

The MoU was signed between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy (PCIM&H), Ministry of Ayush, and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority. The agreement aims to elevate global standards for traditional medicine by ensuring its safety, efficacy, and quality.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, emphasized the importance of the agreement, stating that this collaboration will play a crucial role in setting global benchmarks for traditional medicine, fostering an integrated and scientifically regulated approach to this valuable healthcare system.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, highlighted the broader impact of this partnership, explaining that it will promote knowledge exchange, capacity building, and regulatory alignment between the two countries. He stated that through this strategic collaboration, India and Indonesia are strengthening the role of traditional medicine in global healthcare, ensuring that these ancient practices are effectively integrated into modern health frameworks.

The MoU focuses on regulatory collaboration and capacity-building initiatives. Both countries will share regulatory information to improve safety and quality standards, conduct joint capacity-building programs including seminars and training sessions, and organize technical visits for mutual familiarization with regulatory processes. The agreement also facilitates participation in international events related to traditional medicine and establishes training programs for industry stakeholders to enhance their expertise. Additionally, the partnership opens the door for further cooperation in other mutually agreed areas.

This collaboration underscores the growing global recognition of traditional medicine and the shared vision of India and Indonesia in integrating these ancient systems into modern healthcare. The agreement also signifies a deeper cultural and medicinal bond between the two nations, both of which have rich histories in traditional healing practices.

The MoU was formally exchanged by the Minister of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Ministry of External Affairs, Republic of Indonesia. This agreement reflects a strengthened diplomatic and healthcare partnership, with both countries committing to advancing traditional medicine on an international scale.