On International Yoga Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the world’s celebrations from the scenic city of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. With the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the 11th edition of this global event blended tradition, wellness, and diplomacy like never before.
“Yoga is for everyone,” PM Modi said to a sea of participants gathered along a 26-km stretch from Ramakrishna Beach to Bhogapuram. “It goes beyond boundaries, backgrounds, age, or ability. Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy.”
From India’s Soil to Global Soul
Yoga, which comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “to unite,” was born in India thousands of years ago. In 2014, India proposed the idea of an International Yoga Day at the United Nations—and since 2015, the world has been stretching together every June 21.
In Tokyo, Yoshiko Ishiba, wife of Japan’s Prime Minister, joined a session organized by the Indian Embassy.
Glimpses from the 11th International Day of Yoga in Tokyo!
Ambassador @AmbSibiGeorge and Madam Joice Sibi welcomed Madam Yoshiko Ishiba, Spouse of Hon’ble PM of Japan, and Madam Satoko Iwaya, Spouse of the Hon’ble Foreign Minister who inaugurated the yoga festival.
Organised… pic.twitter.com/yiOItSt2NE
— India in Japanインド大使館 (@IndianEmbTokyo) June 21, 2025
Across Europe, the Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener performed a headstand lotus pose and shared her Yoga journey on social media.
How it started vs how it’s going🧘♀️
When I moved to India last year, I started practicing #Yoga more actively!
As we mark #InternationalYogaDay2025, proud to show my attempt at headstand lotus pose!
I find #Yoga beneficial for my mental & physical health & hope you do too! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uqbYiXXRKe
— Ambassador May-Elin Stener (@NorwayAmbIndia) June 21, 2025
In Delhi, the French Embassy hosted a yoga session in honor of Charlotte Chopin, a 102-year-old French yoga icon.
Stretching the Message
From Goa to Ladakh, yoga was practiced in schools, on beaches, and even in sub-zero mountain zones. In Udhampur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the bravery of Indian soldiers and tied the spirit of yoga with that of Operation Sindoor, calling for strength, calm, and focus.
Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant asked schools to start daily 15-minute yoga sessions. “This is part of Viksit Bharat 2047,” he said, referring to India’s vision for a strong and developed future.
Yoga on the Global Stage
Even King Charles sent a message, read out in London, where hundreds joined the celebrations. “Yoga continues to rise in popularity across the UK,” he said. “It fosters unity, compassion, and wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police held a stunning session near Pangong Tso lake at 4,200 metres above sea level, proving once again—when it comes to yoga, there’s no such thing as limits.
What started as an ancient Indian practice has grown into a global wellness movement, all thanks to India’s cultural leadership. On International Yoga Day, the world doesn’t just look to India for guidance—it stretches with her.
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