On June 21, 2026, Ashgabat hosted the official celebrations of the 12th International Day of Yoga under the global developmental theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The high-profile event saw the active participation of the Deputy Minister of Healthcare and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Mr. Azat Ovezov, alongside distinguished members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the local Indian community, and numerous Turkmen yoga enthusiasts.

In his welcoming address, the Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan, H.E. Bandaru Wilsonbabu, detailed the historical origins of Yoga rooted in ancient India, as well as the formal adoption of June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations in 2014, an initiative originally championed by Indian Prime Minister H.E. Narendra Modi. The Ambassador highlighted the structural advantages of Yoga in promoting physical longevity among senior populations and fostering geopolitical peace and spiritual harmony in today’s turbulent global climate.

Deputy Minister of Healthcare and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan, Mr. Azat Ovezov, systematically emphasized the therapeutic role of Yoga in upgrading the physical and psycho-emotional wellbeing of individuals, alongside its proven efficacy in preventing lifestyle-induced clinical disorders. Recalling the historic inauguration of the "Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre" in Ashgabat during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to Turkmenistan in July 2015, Mr. Ovezov reiterated the absolute support of the Government of Turkmenistan toward expanding yoga-centric initiatives nationwide.

The vibrant, cross-cultural celebrations in Ashgabat beautifully symbolized the long-standing bilateral bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and diplomatic cooperation between India and Turkmenistan. Operating in absolute alignment with its "Extended Neighbourhood" foreign policy guidelines and the timeless philosophical doctrine of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (The World is One Family), India remains explicitly prepared to share its socio-economic developmental expertise to meet the strategic needs and priorities of Turkmenistan.