India has launched Operation Amistad to support Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation, dispatching an Indian Army medical team, emergency relief supplies and advanced indigenous field hospital systems.
The humanitarian mission follows the powerful twin earthquakes that hit northern Venezuela, killing at least 180 people, injuring hundreds and causing widespread destruction, including in areas around the capital, Caracas.
Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed from Hindon Air Force Station on Friday carrying more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, medicines and medical equipment, along with an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cubes.
The medical contingent comprises 41 personnel from the Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital, including nine doctors trained in emergency medicine, trauma care and life-saving surgeries. The team will provide immediate medical assistance to survivors while helping ease pressure on Venezuela’s healthcare system.
Developed under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative, the BHISHM Cube is a rapidly deployable modular field hospital that can be assembled within a short time. Each unit is equipped with portable ventilators, surgical equipment, intensive care facilities, diagnostic systems, oxygen support and power generation units, enabling treatment for around 200 patients during emergencies.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the mission on social media, describing it as Operation Amistad—Spanish for “friendship”—and said India remains committed to supporting the people and government of Venezuela during this difficult period.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the loss of lives and reaffirmed India’s readiness to provide all possible assistance. In a message posted on X, he conveyed solidarity with those affected and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The mission is among India’s most significant humanitarian operations in South America in recent years and underscores New Delhi’s expanding engagement with Latin America beyond trade and energy ties.
India’s disaster relief efforts have traditionally focused on its immediate neighbourhood and the Indo-Pacific, but its humanitarian outreach has steadily expanded.
In recent years, India has supplied medicines, vaccines and emergency assistance to countries including Guyana, Suriname, Cuba and Haiti. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries across the Caribbean and South America also received vaccines and essential medicines under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
Operation Amistad adds to a growing list of overseas humanitarian missions.
In March 2025, India launched Operation Brahma after the earthquake in Myanmar, deploying National Disaster Response Force teams, military medical personnel and relief supplies. Earlier, Operation Dost in 2023 saw India send search-and-rescue teams, military field hospitals, specialist doctors and humanitarian aid to Türkiye and Syria following the catastrophic earthquakes there.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Venezuela was struck by two shallow earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude within a minute of each other. The tremors triggered widespread structural damage, building collapses and disruption to transport infrastructure.
Authorities declared a state of emergency as rescue teams continued searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. La Guaira, north of Caracas, was among the worst-affected areas, while airport operations, metro services and gas supplies were temporarily suspended amid fears of further aftershocks.
