Sachin Malik Delhi: India has launched “Operation Amistad” to Provide humanitarian Relief and medical assistance to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that Struck the northern Part of the country. As Part of the mission, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft have departed carrying a 41-member medical team, a field hospital unit, medicines, two BHISHM Cubes and nearly 35 tonnes of relief Supplies.
With Venezuela reeling from two Powerful Earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 Magnitude, India has once again Stepped forward as a Global “first responder” during a humanitarian crisis. The word “Amistad”, derived from Spanish, means “friendship,” Symbolizing India commitment to Standing with Venezuela in its time of Need.
On June 26, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced the launch of Operation Amistad on his X account, Stating that two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft had departed for Venezuela carrying essential Relief materials to Support ongoing rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts. The aid Package includes an Indian Army field hospital unit, over 35 tonnes of medicines, medical equipment, relief Supplies and two BHISHM Cubes. He reaffirmed India commitment to supporting the Government and People of Venezuela during this difficult Period.
The Indian Army medical contingent departed from Hindon Air Force Station on Friday afternoon. The 41-member specialist medical team from the renowned 60 Para Field Hospital includes nine Military doctors capable of Providing emergency medical treatment, trauma care and conducting complex surgical Procedures in disaster-hit Areas.
A major highlight of Operation Amistad is the deployment of two indigenously developed BHISHM Cubes under India Aarogya Maitri Project. These are rapidly deployable modular field hospitals that can become operational within minutes of arrival at a disaster Site. Equipped with Portable ventilators, surgical instruments, oxygen support systems and other critical medical facilities, each unit can Provide advanced treatment to nearly 200 Patients at a Time.
This is not the first time India has emerged as a humanitarian lifeline during international disasters. Guided by the Philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), India has carried out several successful Global Relief operations. These include humanitarian assistance following the devastating 2023 earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, Relief Efforts after Cyclone Mocha in Myanmar and aid to several other nations affected by natural disasters. Earlier, in 2015 India launched one of its largest overseas disaster relief operations in Nepal, deploying the Indian Air Force and Army within hours of the massive earthquake. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, India also supplied domestically manufactured vaccines, either free of cost or at highly affordable Prices, to more than 100 countries Worldwide.
According to various media reports, the earthquakes in Venezuela have Claimed the lives of more than 235 People, While over 4,300 others have been injured. India humanitarian mission, covering a distance of nearly 14,300 kilometres, reflects the Strong bilateral ties between the two countries and reinforces India Growing reputation as a responsible, compassionate and dependable Global Power.
