Among the many indices claiming to follow up on the Human Development Index is the BRICS Wellness Index. In the run up to the eighth BRICS Summit in Goa in October, where the heads of member nations will converge, organisations from these countries feel they can begin work on such an index. The index has a commercial aspect to it too.

India is pushing for promotion of traditional medicines as the key element for achieving success in climbing the ranks in the index. For Indian companies with a portfolio in ayurvedic products, this push could mean a major opening up of new markets. Speaking at ...