AI-Powered Surgical Robots Under ‘Make in India’ to Democratise Affordable Robotic Surgery

New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, Swasth Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, India has taken a historic leap in advanced healthcare technology.


Under the Make in India initiative, Shukra Pharmaceuticals Limited and Borns Medical Robotics Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce the AI-powered ‘Veer Surgical Robot’ in India—paving the way for affordable, accessible and world-class robotic surgery across the country and Asia.


The partnership is widely seen as a decisive move to position India as a global medical technology hub, aligned with the government’s push for domestic manufacturing and healthcare self-reliance.


Dr Meenakshi Late: Advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat Through Healthcare Innovation
Highlighting the national significance of the initiative, Dr Meenakshi Late, CEO and Global Head of Shukra Pharmaceuticals, said the collaboration reflects the true spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.


“This partnership with Borns expands India’s self-reliance in advanced healthcare. Our goal is to make cutting-edge surgical technology affordable and accessible to patients who need it the most, especially in rural and semi-urban regions.”


She added that the initiative will strengthen healthcare equity and ensure that advanced medical technology is no longer restricted to major metropolitan centres.


Dr Alexander T. Teachman: A Scalable Healthcare Model from India to Asia
Dr Alexander T. Teachman, Chief Medical Officer of Borns Medical Robotics Inc., underlined the global vision of the collaboration.
“This joint venture combines Borns’ AI-driven robotic innovation with Shukra’s strong market reach. Together, we are building a scalable healthcare infrastructure for India and Asia that sets new benchmarks in precision, safety and affordability.”
He described the initiative as a foundational step for the future of global healthcare delivery.


Dakshesh Shah: Robotic Surgery No Longer Limited to Metro Cities
Emphasising inclusivity, Dakshesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of Shukra Pharmaceuticals, stated:
“Every Indian deserves access to the best healthcare technology. Our commitment is to ensure that world-class robotic surgery is no longer confined to premium hospitals or metro cities.”


He said the partnership marks a major stride towards democratising advanced surgical care in India.


Dr Vivek Bindal: Democratisation of Robotic Surgery Has Begun
Dr Vivek Bindal, Director and Head, Max Institute of Robotic Surgery, Patparganj, and one of the first surgeons to evaluate the Veer platform, called the development transformative.


“High costs have long limited access to robotic surgery. With next-generation platforms like Veer, featuring single-port surgery, AI-enabled safety systems and advanced micro-instruments, high-quality minimally invasive procedures will now reach a much wider patient base.”


He noted that the technology will significantly expand minimally invasive surgery options in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Building a Robust Surgical Robotics Ecosystem in India
As part of the collaboration, India will witness:
Establishment of manufacturing and distribution units
Comprehensive training programmes for surgeons
Expanded access to advanced surgical care in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities
The initiative strongly reinforces the Make in India mission by promoting domestic manufacturing of high-end medical devices.
Clinically Validated, Nationwide Deployment from 2026


The Veer Surgical Robot has successfully completed its first human clinical trials, demonstrating high safety, precision and superior clinical outcomes.
Results published in leading international journals
Reported to CDSCO (India’s drug regulator)
Commercial deployment expected from Q2 2026 across major Indian hospitals, with rapid national scale-up planned
₹600-Crore Investment in Greater Noida, Over 3,000 Jobs Expected


Shukra Pharmaceuticals has received a Letter of Intent for 10 acres of land at the Medical Device Park, Sector 28, Greater Noida, from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.


Key highlights include:
₹600 crore investment
Manufacturing of surgical robotics and BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) technology
Over 900 direct and nearly 2,000 indirect employment opportunities


This project is expected to position India at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, particularly in advanced cancer treatment and robotic surgery.


Conclusion
More than a business partnership, this collaboration represents a strategic national initiative aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed, healthy and self-reliant India.


By integrating AI, Make in India manufacturing and affordable healthcare, it holds the potential to elevate India as a global leader in medical technology and surgical innovation.