India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

India on Friday launched ‘Operation Amistad’, sending out two Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster planes carrying a specialised Indian Army medical contingent and humanitarian assistance to earthquake hit Venezuela. Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes causing widespread devastation across the country’s northern region, killing at least 235 people and injuring thousands.

This includes a “41-member medical team” from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital consisting of nine “medical officers and other healthcare personnel trained in emergency response”. Equipped to provide trauma care, emergency surgeries, critical care and other life-saving medical services in the areas affected by the “devastating earthquake in northern Venezuela”, the team will also be accompanied by nearly six tonnes of humanitarian aid including medical supplies, an IA Para Field Hospital and the indigenously developed BHISHM Cube under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.

The BHISHM Cube is a rapidly deployable ‘modular’ field hospital designed to provide ‘advanced trauma care’, emergency surgeries & intensive care for up to 200 patients. It has been developed to strengthen India’s disaster response capabilities and can be quickly deployed in humanitarian emergencies across the world.

Announcing the mission, the Indian Army said Operation Amistad “reflects India’s enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance & disaster relief. Guided by our civilisational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World Is One Family), we reiterate our resolve to stand with Nations facing Natural Disasters.” Earlier, the Indian Air Force had also confirmed that two C-17 aircraft were launched carrying “relief material including the IA Para Field Hospital, BHISHM Cubes & medical supplies”.

With Operation Amistad, India joins international efforts to help Venezuela in relief and recovery operations following the earthquake, reiterating its role as a ‘first responder’ in humanitarian crises by offering medical support, compassion and solidarity to those in need.

The twin tremors saw the collapse of homes, public buildings and key infrastructure, leaving many trapped under debris and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

The scale of the disaster has prompted an international humanitarian response. Several countries have pledged assistance, with the US announcing financial aid and sending rescue personnel.