Policy Update
Madhur Thapar
Background:
The Aarogya Maitri aid cube stands as a symbol of strategic outreach and indigenous innovation, being a one of its kind modular, portable and rapidly deployable disaster and trauma care unit. In an increasingly multipolar world, India has been making a name for itself in the realm of global humanitarian aid.
From its vaccine diplomacy under the “Vaccine Maitri” initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to dispatching rescue teams under “Operation Dost” to Turkey and Syria after the 2023 earthquake.
India’s commitment to global solidarity has gained popularity. A key addition to this humanitarian mission is the Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube, launched on February 27, 2024, during the Voice Of Global South Summit. The cube is part of the “Project BHISHM”- Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and and Maitri, this represents India’s effort to provide emergency medical support to developing nations, especially those in the global South.
It is designed not merely as a crisis response tool, but as a symbol of India’s aspiration to become a security provider and humanitarian leader in the Global South.
Functioning:
The Aid cube (Aarogya Maitri aid cube) is designed to be highly compact and modular, built to operate in disaster-hit remote or resource-constraint places. Each unit contains medical equipment capable of treating up to 200 people in emergency situations. Its uniqueness lies in its architectural design, the range of medical resources it carries, and its logistical adaptability.
Architectural design- The cube (Aarogya Maitri aid cube) is built from 72 mini cubes, each weighing under 20 kgs, making them easily portable and waterproof. These mini cubes are arranged into two master cube cages or mother cubes. Each mother cube holds 36 mini cubes, stacked in three frames of 12 units each. When combined, the two mother cubes form a complete BHISHM unit, functioning as a portable field Hospital.
Content– Each mini cube is made for specific emergency functions- some carry mechanical equipment while others portable medical supplies. They typically include a mini ICU, operation theatre, diagnostics equipment, ventilator, food and water supplies, cooking station, shelter capacity and power generator. In some configurations, one mother cube may focus on survival essentials while the other may be dedicated to surgical and emergency medical equipment’s. This makes the system open to deal with difficult situations.
Deployment and assembly– the advanced design of the system ensures quick and versatile deployment. It’s easily transportable, the unit can be air dropped from as high as 15000 feet, it can be carried by drones, airlifted or transported by road and sea. It only takes 12 minutes for the cube to be deployed, while the operating theatre can be made functional in under 10 minutes. It’s easy to set up with the help of a small, trained team as the unpacking is consciously made easy and is aided by photos and smart packing strategies.
Logical features-The system is supported by advanced technology like the RFID tag inventory which enables real time tracking and expiry monitoring. It’s tablet-based software is available in up to 180 languages and guides the users through assembly and supply management. It is further equipped with data analytics and artificial intelligence, which helps in situational awareness and in forecasting resupply needs. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1998368
Performance:
While the Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube is a relatively new initiative, it’s inspired by India’s past humanitarian missions. In the near future, it’s development is expected to play an important role in expanding India’s strategic presence in disaster prone areas across Asia, Africa and Latin America. As of 2025, India has promised to donate 100 aid Cubes to partner countries. The first batch has already been shipped to nations in the Indian Ocean region and Africa.
This alliance with India’s “Neighborhood First Policy” and initiatives such as Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). In the longer run, it not only strengthens India’s image as a helping hand, but also strategically acts as a tool of influence. According to official statements, the government plans to preposition these cubes in key Indian military logistics bases, ready to be deployed within hours of a humanitarian crisis.
The Aarogya Maitri cube has been deployed several times for humanitarian and developmental purposes. In January 2024, Two cubes were deployed in Ayodhya to enhance medical readiness during the Praan Pratishtha ceremony. In August 2024, Four cubes were presented to the Ukrainian government as a symbol of humanitarian aid.
In May 2025, several cubes were deployed at prominent hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, including AIIMS Jammu and SKIMS Srinagar to promote medical readiness, especially near border areas. Aside from this, BHISHM cubes have been stationed in several hospitals across India, including AIIMS in Delhi, Rishikesh, and Bilaspur.
Impact:
India has always tried to be a symbol of peace and kindness in the global arena, these two ideas have always been the backbone of India’s foreign policy and can be found in several key initiatives or collaborations of the past. With rapid development and changing world orders, these ideas have tried to cling on to India’s ways in the Foreign Arena and this is visible through the impact of Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube.
At a symbolic level, it positions India as a responsible and empathetic global power particularly among countries of the Global South that often lack the capacity to respond to sudden emergencies. The visibility of Indian aid in crisis, accompanied by branding like “From the people of India” carries diplomatic weight.
Aside from being a diplomatic tool, it is also a key development in India’s health and crisis relief sector as it works towards providing a solution for delays and coordination issues during emergency situations. It also strengthens India’s background in science and innovation, the fact that this cube is indigenously designed and manufactured promotes India’s make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in a tangible format.
The cube enhances India’s civil military cooperation model, where the AMS, private sector and policy makers collaborate to deliver global public goods. It enables India to engage more actively with platforms such as the SAARC Disaster Management Centre, INS Sahyadri’s medical outreach initiatives, and the NDRF’s international rescue operations.
Way forward:
The Aarogya Maitri aid cube is still in its early stages, and its long-term success will depend on some critical factors. First, training and local partnerships will be essential for this development, building capacity among recipient countries, health workers will ensure better use and maintenance. India could offer on site training programs or exchange fellowships for medical personnell in the Global South.
Second, a well developed monitoring and evaluation mechanism is needed. India must track where and how the cubes are used, document field learning and update the modular kit based on feedback. This data can strengthen India’s case in multilateral forums, providing it with a greater voice in institutions like WHO, UNDRR and G20 disaster risk reduction working group.
Finally, offering co-development opportunities with Middle-income countries like Vietnam, Kenya, or Brazil can increase South-South cooperation and can amplify India’s reach and credibility in the Global South.
References:
Press Trust of India. (2024, February 7). PM Modi launches ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube’ to provide medical aid to disaster-hit countries. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?ModuleId=3&NoteId=152055&utm
NDTV. (2024, August 23). All about BHISHM Cubes – mobile hospitals from India to war-hit Ukraine https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pm-modi-ukraine-visit-all-about-bhishm-cubes-mobile-hospitals-from-india-to-war-hit-ukraine-6403667
Press Information Bureau. (2024, August 17). Indian Air Force & Indian Army carry out first-of-its-kind precise para-drop of BHISHM critical trauma care cube at 15,000 feet. [Press release]. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2046219
Firstpost. (2023, December 9). All about India’s first portable hospital that can be flown to disaster areas. Firstpost Explainers. https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/what-is-aarogya-maitri-aid-cube-indias-first-portable-hospital-that-can-be-flown-to-disaster-areas-13482742.html
Made-in-India portable hospitals ‘Aarogya Maitri Cube’ deployed in Ayodhya ahead of ‘Pran Pratishtha’. (2024, January 20). The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/made-in-india-portable-hospitals-arogya-maitri-cube-deployed-in-ayodhya-ahead-of-pran-pratishtha/videoshow/107008130.cms
Press Information Bureau. (2024, August 28). Project BHISHM: Decoding world’s first indigenous portable hospital [Press note]. Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?ModuleId=3&NoteId=152055
Press Information Bureau. (2023, January 13). Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s opening remarks at the concluding leaders’ session of the Voice of Global South Summit [Press release]. Press Information Bureau, Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1891102
About the contributor:
Madhur Thapar is a Research Intern at IMPRI. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Kamala Nehru college, Delhi university. Her research interest includes public policy, international relations and psychology
Acknowledgement:
The author sincerely thanks Aasthaba Jadeja and other IMPRI fellows for their valuable contribution.
Disclaimer:
All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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