India has launched Operation Amistad, deploying emergency medical aid and relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela in a move that underscores the country’s growing stature as a global first responder and highlights its expanding humanitarian diplomacy.
Two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying a 41-member specialist medical team, an Indian Army field hospital unit, medicines, two indigenously developed BHISHM Cubes and over 35 tonnes of relief materials have departed for northern Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. The disaster has reportedly claimed more than 235 lives and left over 4,300 people injured.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said the mission reflects India’s commitment to supporting Venezuela during the crisis. The medical contingent from the Army’s renowned 60 Para Field Hospital, comprising nine military doctors, is equipped to provide emergency care, trauma management and complex surgeries.
A key feature of the operation is the deployment of two BHISHM Cubes under the Aarogya Maitri Project. These modular field hospitals can become operational within minutes and provide critical care for nearly 200 patients simultaneously, showcasing India’s indigenous healthcare innovation.
Travelling nearly 14,300 kilometres, Operation Amistad reinforces India’s “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” philosophy while strengthening bilateral ties with Venezuela. Building on relief missions in Nepal, Türkiye, Syria, Myanmar and vaccine assistance to over 100 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative further enhances India’s global reputation as a reliable humanitarian partner and responsible major power.
