“The AYUSH sector today stands as a strategic pillar of national healthcare, preventive wellbeing, and global health services exports, and the Union Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to further strengthen India’s public health ecosystem while accelerating sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness. We recommend enhanced budgetary allocation for the Ministry of AYUSH to support infrastructure development, digital initiatives, and capacity building across Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. Dedicated funding should be earmarked for clinical research, classical formulation validation, pharmacovigilance, and integrative medicine through CCRAS, CCRUM, CCRH, and academic institutions, along with promotion of public–private research partnerships. GST exemption for essential AYUSH generic medicines and fiscal incentives for manufacturing units, wellness centres, and hospitals can help improve affordability and access, especially in aspirational districts. With the Indian AYUSH industry estimated at over US$43 billion and exports crossing US$ 689 million in FY25, capital subsidies and special financial packages are required to support GMP upgrades. Creation of AYUSH pharma parks and common testing facilities would also significantly reduce compliance costs. Further budgetary support should be provided for global regulatory approvals, international branding, trade delegations, and bilateral recognition of AYUSH systems to reduce non-tariff barriers. In line with India’s growing medical tourism, projected to reach US$13 billion by 2026, incentives should be extended to accredited AYUSH wellness centres and hospitals serving international patients under ‘Heal in India’ programmes. We also strongly recommend comprehensive inclusion of AYUSH treatments in all government and private insurance schemes, covering outpatient care, preventive therapies, and chronic disease management, to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and integrate AYUSH into mainstream healthcare delivery.”