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In a groundbreaking demonstration of technological innovation and medical expertise, doctors in France have successfully performed two complex surgeries on patients in Indore, India—over 10,000km away—using an Indian-manufactured robotic system.
The milestone procedures took place during the Society of Robotic Surgery Conference in Strasbourg, France, with real-time connections to operating theatres at the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) and the IRCAD National Centre in Indore. The team used the SSI Mantra surgical robotic system, developed by SS Innovations International, which has received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for both telesurgery and tele-proctoring.
The operations included a gastric bypass, conducted by Dr. Mohit Bhandari, President of IRCAD India, and a cardiac atrial septal defect (ASD) closure by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Chairman of SS Innovations. Reports noted the gastric bypass lasted 44 minutes and was completed without any complications or significant technical delays.
Dr. Bhandari described the event as a “transformative moment in surgical science,” emphasizing how the achievement bridges gaps in access to quality healthcare. “The success of the SSI Mantra system proves that the future of safe, precise, and inclusive surgery is here, and it’s being shaped in India,” he said.
What distinguishes this feat is not the use of robotic-assisted surgery itself, as it has been available for decades, but the unprecedented distance over which the operation was carried out. With robust internet infrastructure and careful collaboration between international and Indian medical teams, the procedures highlighted the reliability and precision of remote-control surgical technology.
On-site staff in Indore provided critical patient support, ensuring safety protocols were followed throughout. According to SS Innovations, the SSI Mantra robotic platform has now been used in more than 5,000 surgeries across various specialties, including 35 telesurgeries and 250 cardiac operations, with no reported device-related complications.
Tele-surgery on an intercontinental scale is still rare globally, but experts suggest it could revolutionize access to specialized healthcare, especially in regions lacking expert surgical personnel. The SSI Mantra’s regulatory approval positions India as a key player in the global field of medical robotics.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery involves a doctor controlling robotic arms via computer interfaces, allowing procedures to be performed with higher precision and smaller incisions compared to traditional surgery. The robot acts solely on the surgeon’s command, ensuring accuracy and control throughout the operation.
While the long-term impact of such remotely conducted procedures remains to be studied, the success of these recent surgeries marks a significant leap forward for medical technology and international healthcare collaboration.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 27, 2025, and summarizes reported statements, data, and outcomes from relevant clinical and technological sources. Readers should note that medical practices, technology performance, and regulatory guidelines are subject to change as more data and experience become available.
