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India Surgical Robotics Market

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for surgical robotics, expected to grow from $851 million in 2023 to nearly $4 billion by 2031. With over 70% of India’s medical devices imported, U.S. firms specializing in robotic surgery, advanced medical devices, and minimally invasive technologies are well-positioned to meet the surging demand. However, to succeed, U.S. companies must navigate regulatory challenges and build trusted local partnerships. The expanding market presents a high-potential export opportunity for U.S. medtech firms ready to engage strategically.

Automation in Surgery

The Indian medical device market is quickly expanding, driven by a growing population, increased health concerns, and proactive government initiatives. India is the fourth largest and fastest-growing surgical robotics market in Asia Pacific and the Government of India (GOI) is actively encouraging the use of advanced medical technologies for surgical procedures. According to industry sources, India’s surgical robotics market was valued at $851 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach almost $4 billion by FY 2031. The rising prevalence of chronic diseases here, combined with increased demand for minimally invasive surgeries, has propelled the demand in the country. The vision of advancing technology in the health space has been strongly focused through the adoption of high-end and precision surgeries through a variety of initiatives, including the establishment of dedicated centers of excellence, financial incentives for hospitals to invest in the technology, and collaboration with industry players to develop indigenous robotic systems.

Following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s certification of the da Vinci system in 2000, India saw its first robotic installation at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, in 2006. The four-armed surgical robotic system represents a breakthrough in India’s surgical technology for the specialties of orthopedics, urology, gynecology, cardiology, gastrointestinal surgery, bariatrics, and pediatrics.

Opportunities Going Forward

The growing demand for quality healthcare and the absence of matching delivery mechanisms poses both a challenge and opportunity in the Indian market.

India has over 850 robotic assisted trained surgeons and have over 170 da Vinci systems installed across major private and government hospitals. Some of the key international players in robotic surgery that have contributed to its expansion in India are, Intuitive, Medtronic India, CMR Surgical, Johnson & Johnson, Stryker Corporation, and Smith & Nephew. Over 12,800 surgeries have been performed using robotic assistance in the last decade and leading international healthcare businesses are expanding surgical robotics by acquiring smaller firms to increase their market presence in this fast-growing sector.

The Indian healthcare sector is open to foreign investment and provided significant opportunities for U.S. businesses to export robotic surgical equipment to India. Despite a surge in local production, India continues to heavily rely on import of medical devices, accounting for about 70% of the market. However, U.S. firms must navigate challenges such as IPR concerns, local content requirements, pricing pressures, and regulatory complexities. U.S. medical device companies are in the market and are able to overcome these challenges.

For entry into the Indian market, U.S. companies should identify quality partners who know this market. Strategic planning, due diligence, and consistent follow-ups are the prerequisites for doing business successfully in India. U.S. companies may consider the following local trade shows to showcase their technologies and meeting Indian businesses:

For market research, finding the right local partners, or establishing a local presence, the Healthcare and MedTech team at the U.S. Commercial Service India stands ready to assist you. U.S. businesses providing technologies and solutions in the sector and interested in India market could reach out to your nearest local U.S. Commercial Service office in the U.S. or the Healthcare and MedTech team at the U.S. Commercial Service in India.