External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar participated in the 12th [1] International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2026 [2], at Nehru Park in New Delhi.
The event serves as a primary vehicle for India's cultural diplomacy, projecting a global image of wellness and mindfulness while promoting traditional practices as tools for modern public health.
Jaishankar joined citizens at the park to highlight the role of yoga in maintaining physical fitness and mental well-being. The minister said the practice is a means to achieve a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages.
"Yoga is a universal language that promotes health, harmony, and a healthier way of living for all ages," Jaishankar said.
This year's celebrations focused specifically on the theme of "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The initiative aims to address the challenges of rising life expectancy and the prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders. By integrating yoga into daily routines, officials hope to improve the quality of life for elderly populations.
"This year’s theme, ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’, underscores the role of yoga in combating lifestyle disorders as life expectancy rises," health expert Dr. Ritu Sharma said.
Jaishankar spoke to the gathered crowd about the intersection of mindfulness and physical health. He said that the practice transcends borders and serves as a bridge between different cultures through a shared commitment to health.
"I am delighted to join citizens at Nehru Park to celebrate the spirit of wellness and mindfulness through yoga," Jaishankar said.
The 12th [1] edition of the global event continues to position India as a leader in the promotion of holistic health on the international stage.
“"Yoga is a universal language that promotes health, harmony, and a healthier way of living for all ages,"”
By aligning the International Day of Yoga with the specific goal of healthy ageing, India is pivoting its cultural diplomacy to address a global demographic shift. As life expectancy increases worldwide, the promotion of yoga as a preventative health measure allows India to offer a scalable, low-cost solution for managing chronic lifestyle diseases, thereby strengthening its soft power in the global health sector.
