In a swift humanitarian response to the devastating earthquake in northern Venezuela, India has launched Operation Amistad, deploying a specialised Indian Army medical contingent to support relief and emergency healthcare operations in the affected region.
The 41-member medical team from the 60 Para Field Hospital departed from India aboard two Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft on 26 June 2026. The contingent comprises nine medical officers along with specialised medical and support personnel trained in disaster response and emergency medical operations.
The team has been equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, surgical services and critical care to those affected by the disaster. In addition to medical expertise, the contingent is carrying nearly six tonnes of medical supplies and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing India’s commitment to rapid international disaster relief.
A key component of the mission is the deployment of the BHISHM Cube, an indigenously developed modular field hospital under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project. Designed for rapid deployment during humanitarian crises, the BHISHM Cube is capable of delivering advanced trauma care, conducting emergency surgeries and providing intensive care support for up to 200 patients, significantly enhancing disaster response capabilities.
Operation Amistad reflects India’s longstanding commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and its readiness to extend assistance to countries affected by natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
The mission is guided by the timeless Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—“The World is One Family”—which continues to shape India’s global humanitarian outreach and international partnerships.
By deploying a highly trained military medical contingent and advanced indigenous healthcare capabilities, India has once again demonstrated its ability to respond rapidly to global emergencies while supporting nations in times of crisis.
As relief operations continue in earthquake-affected Venezuela, the Indian medical team is expected to play a crucial role in delivering life-saving treatment, strengthening local healthcare efforts and providing hope to communities affected by the disaster.
Operation Amistad underscores India’s growing role as a responsible global partner, committed to extending compassion, medical expertise and humanitarian assistance wherever it is needed.
