Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda has said India has the potential to become a global leader in robotic surgery, citing the country’s growing capabilities in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, digital health and surgical robotics.Nadda made the remarks during his virtual address at an international conference on robotic surgery organised by the Society of Robotic Surgery (SRS). The conference is being held in New Delhi from October 2 to 4, 2026.Key HighlightsJP Nadda highlighted India’s growing robotic surgery ecosystem.He said India has an opportunity to innovate and lead in advanced surgical technology.Robotic-assisted procedures have increased sharply in Delhi-NCR and across India.Delhi-NCR has emerged as a major centre for robotic surgery.The conference is focusing on advanced robotic platforms, training and surgical innovation.JP Nadda Highlights India’s Robotic Surgery PotentialNadda said India is at an important stage in healthcare innovation, with technological capabilities in AI, digital health and surgical robotics creating opportunities for further development.He said India has the opportunity to innovate, develop and lead in robotic surgery and related healthcare technologies.The minister's comments came as surgeons and healthcare professionals gathered at the Society of Robotic Surgery's international conference to discuss the expanding use of robotic systems in surgical care.Robotic Surgery Procedures Rise Across IndiaData highlighted at the conference showed a significant increase in robotic-assisted procedures in recent years.In Delhi-NCR, the number of robotic-assisted procedures increased from 2,257 in 2021 to 10,937 in 2025. Across India, procedures rose from 8,912 in 2021 to 44,857 in 2025, representing a nearly five-fold increase in both regions.Around 39 hospitals in Delhi-NCR currently have robotic systems, while 11 hospitals have more than one system. This has made the region a major hub for robotic-system installations and surgical volumes.Robotic Technology Expands Across Medical SpecialitiesThe growth of robotic surgery is being seen across several medical specialities. In Delhi-NCR, general surgery for benign conditions accounted for about 33 per cent of robotic procedures in 2025, while urology accounted for 30.2 per cent.Gynaecology contributed around 22.1 per cent, while general surgery for malignant conditions accounted for about 10 per cent. Robotic systems are also being used in areas including head and neck, thoracic and cardiac surgery.India’s Healthcare Technology PushThe conference also reflects India's broader focus on using emerging technologies in healthcare. A separate government statement on October 2 highlighted the potential of robotics, AI and nanoscience in diagnostics, treatment and precision medicine.Union Minister Jitendra Singh said robotics could increasingly become a tool across different medical specialities, while tele-robotics could help connect specialist expertise with patients across geographical boundaries.Experts at the robotic surgery conference said India could potentially emerge as a global leader in the field by 2030. That projection is an expert assessment rather than a confirmed outcome.
