The Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA) is the professional organization of rheumatologists and other health professionals in India. The specialty of Rheumatology deals with arthritis, autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. Rheumatologists are physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. The other health professionals who manage these diseases include internists, orthopedic surgeons, immunologists, pediatricians, and physiatrist. Allied health professionals like physiotherapist, physical and occupational therapists, rheumatology nurse etc provide ancillary support in care of patients with rheumatic diseases

IRA strives to propagate and consolidate Rheumatology endeavours in India. Towards this end the IRA publishes a quarterly journal, Indian journal of Rhuematology (IJR) and the Manual of Rheumatology, a concise text on Rheumatology authored by Indian experts.

The IRA contributes to Continuing Medical Education by way of regular scientific workshops, conferences, symposia and special interest groups.

IRA spearheads the fight against arthritis in India. IRAs mission and goals focus on providing state of the art care to Indian patients with arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases through continuing professional development of members, increasing the awareness and understanding about rheumatic diseases, patient advocacy and empowerment, and fostering research in the field of rheumatic diseases.

IRA is affiliated to APLAR (Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology) and through it to ILAR (International League of Associations for Rheumatology). The members, thus, have a global outreach.