India’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela, codenamed Operation Amistad, concluded successfully on Friday with the return of the Indian contingent to New Delhi after providing extensive medical aid and emergency relief in the South American nation.
The Government of India said the mission reflected the country’s commitment to standing by partner nations during times of crisis and underscored the enduring friendship between India and Venezuela.
Acting President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s timely assistance, support and solidarity in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.
Operation Amistad was launched on June 26, when two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported a 41-member medical contingent from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital Unit to Venezuela. The team comprised surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic specialists, dentists, physicians, paramedical staff and support personnel.
The aircraft also carried two BHISHM Cubes—state-of-the-art modular and portable mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response—along with six tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment and 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers and generator sets.
The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Venezuelan government, whose support enabled the swift deployment and effective functioning of the Indian Army’s field hospital.
During the mission, the medical team treated hundreds of earthquake-affected people and carried out more than 8,000 medical procedures and laboratory investigations, including over 20 major surgeries, providing critical healthcare support in the disaster-hit region.
The Government of India expressed appreciation to the Government of Venezuela for the cooperation extended to the Indian contingent throughout the mission.
Highlighting the significance of the operation, the government said Operation Amistad demonstrated India’s commitment to assisting partner countries in times of need and reflected the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – “The World Is One Family.”
