Operation Amistad concludes as India wraps up earthquake relief mission in Venezuela
New Delhi, July 10. India’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela, Operation Amistad, concluded successfully on July 10 with the return of the Indian contingent to New Delhi after providing extensive medical care and emergency relief to hundreds of affected people.
The mission, launched in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation, witnessed close coordination between the governments of India and Venezuela, enabling the rapid deployment and effective operation of an Indian Army field hospital in the disaster-affected region.
Acknowledging India’s swift response, Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the timely assistance, support and solidarity extended by India during the humanitarian crisis.
The Indian relief contingent was airlifted to Venezuela on June 26 aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The deployment included a 41-member medical team from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital Unit, comprising surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic specialists, dental surgeons, physicians, paramedics and support personnel.
India also dispatched two BHISHM Cubes – portable, modular mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response – along with six tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment. The relief package further included 30 tonnes of emergency supplies such as tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers and generator sets to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
During its deployment, the Indian Army field hospital provided critical medical assistance to hundreds of earthquake survivors, conducting more than 8,000 medical procedures and laboratory investigations, including over 20 major surgeries, underscoring the scale of India’s humanitarian intervention.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the operation was carried out in close cooperation with the Venezuelan government, whose support facilitated the swift deployment and functioning of the Indian medical team.
The Indian government also conveyed its appreciation to the Venezuelan authorities for their assistance throughout the mission, stating that Operation Amistad reflected the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two countries.
The successful conclusion of the mission, the ministry said, reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting partner nations during times of crisis in keeping with its humanitarian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World Is One Family).
