Fostering Indo-African Cooperation Through AYUSH & Multidimensional Partnerships

By Prof. Dr. A.V. Srinivasan
Guest of Honour, Bilateral Trade Summit – Chennai
AYUSH Commissioner, India-GCC Trade Council
Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Bangalore North

I am truly honoured and deeply grateful for the opportunity to express my views at a distinguished gathering that reflects our collective commitment to nurturing cross-border collaboration, honouring traditional healing systems, and advancing multidimensional development goals.

It was a distinct privilege to participate as the Guest of Honour at the high-level bilateral summit titled “Discover the Business Opportunities in the Republic of Chad,” graciously convened in Chennai by the Hon’ble President of the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO), Dr. Asif Iqbal. The event was graced by Her Excellency Mrs. Ildjima Badda Mallot, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad, and His Excellency the Ambassador of Myanmar, along with a host of eminent business leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries.

AYUSH as a Bridge to Integrative Health Diplomacy

Before this esteemed assembly, I had the profound honour of presenting a pioneering proposal to promote AYUSH education and holistic wellness models in the Republic of Chad. Representing the India-GCC Trade Council in my capacity as AYUSH Commissioner, I introduced this initiative with the vision of extending India’s time-honoured healing traditions to new global frontiers.

The proposal was met with resounding support from the Ambassadors of Chad and Myanmar, who recognized the value of integrative health systems in building robust healthcare infrastructure, especially in emerging economies.

Formalizing Collaboration for a Healthier Future

I am pleased to share that a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is scheduled to be signed between the Republic of Chad and Sri Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Bangalore North. This significant milestone will be realized during the upcoming India-Africa Development Summit, to be held in New Delhi from 6th to 7th August, under the aegis of the India-Africa development partnership framework.

Beyond AYUSH: A Multisectoral Alliance

Our dialogue with African stakeholders goes beyond health and wellness. The future roadmap of Indo-Chadian cooperation includes:

• Veterinary healthcare
• Hybrid renewable energy systems
• Artificial intelligence in industry, education, and healthcare
• Sustainable agriculture and nutraceutical development
• Tourism and cultural exchange programs
• Employment generation and skills development

This comprehensive, multisectoral collaboration is designed to deliver inclusive growth, sustainable impact, and mutually enriching partnerships between our nations.

A Shared Vision for a Healthier, Connected World

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, for his visionary leadership, and to the esteemed Ambassadors and government officials who have shown unwavering support for this transformative initiative.

With sincere appreciation and a steadfast commitment to global wellness, I reaffirm our resolve to advance the noble science of AYUSH and foster meaningful Indo-African engagement through innovation, education, and sustainable development.

Together, we are laying the foundation for a new era of cross-continental collaboration rooted in wisdom, wellness, and shared prosperity.