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As the world celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day with the 2026 theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,”, yoga is getting increasingly popular across the globe highlighting its ever growing relevance in addressing modern lifestyle challenges and promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being across generations. In the last twelve years after the United Nations passed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic proposal, ‘International Yoga Day’ stands as a shining symbol of a resurgent India that celebrates the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ and is proud of its roots and confident in sharing its ancient wisdom with the world. It reflects the India’s commitment to cultural resurgence, global leadership, and the vision of a healthier, more harmonious humanity and also aligns with India’s vision of making wellness accessible to all. From the banks of the Ganga to the halls of the United Nations, Yoga has become a global movement and one of the most enduring legacies of India’s civilizational diplomacy in the 21st century.
A history was created in 2014 when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly in September and presented to the world one of India’s greatest civilizational gifts—Yoga. As a tradition since time immemorial, Yoga is known for harmonizing mind, body, and spirit embodying the philosophy of holistic development, harmony with nature, preventive healthcare, and the ancient Indian belief of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family. While Prime
In the last twelve years after the United Nations passed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic proposal, ‘International Yoga Day’ stands as a shining symbol of a resurgent India that celebrates the vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ and is proud of its roots and confident in sharing its ancient wisdom with the world
Minister Shri Narendra Modi proposed June 21st as the ‘International Day of Yoga’, it received an unprecedented diplomatic support with a record 177 nations co-sponsoring the resolution, which was finally adopted unanimously by the UN. The International Day of Yoga has since become one of the most successful examples of India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power outreach which is firmly rooted in India’s ancient spiritual traditions yet universally relevant in the modern world; Yoga has emerged as a bridge connecting nations, cultures, and communities through the shared pursuit of health, wellness, and inner harmony.
As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 52nd G7 Summit in France, India’s emergence as the global growth engine was further acknowledged and accepted at the global stage. Invited as a Partner Country leader, Prime Minister Shri Modi convincingly articulated the aspirations and concerns of the Global South, advocating reforms in international development financing and greater representation for developing nations in global decision-making institutions. His active engagement in discussions on artificial intelligence, economic resilience, climate action, and technological cooperation highlighted India’s growing role in shaping solutions to 21st-century challenges. On the sidelines, Prime Minister Shri Modi held a series of high-level engagements with leaders from major global powers, reaffirming India’s position as a trusted partner and bridge-builder across geopolitical divides. India’s increasing participation at global forums reflects its growing acceptance under Prime Minister Shri Modi in helping shape the global agenda. It is a testament to India’s rising economic strength, strategic influence, and leadership in advancing the vision of an inclusive, equitable, stable and peaceful world.
Today, as we look back at the first International Day of Yoga in 2015 led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi, setting global records as a worldwide movement, participation has expanded exponentially, with millions of people across more than 190 countries joining celebrations annually over the years. As Yoga has been integrated into national health initiatives, educational institutions, public awareness campaigns, and international engagement efforts, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in wellness, it has also become an active component of advancing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ while contributing significantly to India’s economy through wellness tourism, research, teacher training, and traditional healthcare industries, generating opportunities while strengthening India’s global cultural footprint.