India launches Operation Amistad for Venezuela relief

India has launched Operation Amistad to support Venezuela following the devastating double earthquakes that struck the South American nation earlier this week, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Named after the Spanish word Amistad, meaning “Friendship,” the humanitarian mission reflects India’s solidarity with the people of Venezuela during the crisis. As part of the operation, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed carrying an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, specialised medical teams and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes. The mission aims to provide emergency healthcare and humanitarian support to affected communities.

The relief effort follows two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that struck northern Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other on June 24, making them among the strongest earthquakes recorded in the country in more than a century. The epicentre was reported near Morón, west of Caracas, triggering building collapses, infrastructure disruption and widespread emergency response operations across several regions.

Venezuela's Health Minister Carlos Alvarado reported that the death toll has risen to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured as rescue and recovery operations continue across affected areas. Authorities have warned that casualty figures may continue to increase as teams search damaged buildings and isolated communities.

Ahead of the relief deployment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the people of Venezuela and reaffirmed India’s readiness to assist.

In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister conveyed condolences on behalf of India to families affected by the disaster, prayed for the recovery of those injured and stated that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance during this difficult period.

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, responded by welcoming India’s solidarity and thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending support. She said India’s gesture reflected the spirit of cooperation between the two countries and appreciated India’s willingness to assist relief efforts following the severe impact of the earthquakes.

The Indian Army confirmed that a specialised 41-member medical contingent from the 60 Para Field Hospital has departed from Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft as part of Operation Amistad. The team includes nine medical officers and personnel trained to deliver healthcare support during disasters and conflict situations.

Equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, surgeries and critical care services, the contingent is carrying nearly six tonnes of medicines, medical equipment and humanitarian aid supplied through the Ministry of External Affairs.

A key component of the mission is the deployment of the indigenously developed BHISHM Cube under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project. Designed as a rapidly deployable modular field hospital, the BHISHM Cube can deliver advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries and intensive care support for up to 200 patients, significantly strengthening India’s humanitarian and disaster response capabilities.

Upon arrival in Venezuela, the medical team will establish emergency healthcare facilities to support communities affected by the earthquakes and reinforce damaged local medical infrastructure.

The broader humanitarian package includes more than 35 tonnes of emergency relief material transported by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 heavy-lift aircraft, enabling rapid long-distance deployment of personnel and medical infrastructure.

Operation Amistad continues India’s long-standing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief strategy, under which the country has supported multiple nations affected by earthquakes, floods, cyclones and humanitarian crises through the deployment of military transport, medical teams and emergency supplies.