India launches Operation Amistad to support earthquake-stricken Venezuela
New Delhi initiated Operation Amistad on Friday, dispatching critical humanitarian aid to Venezuela after devastating back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes ripped through the South American nation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed that two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed carrying 35 tonnes of life-saving relief materials to assist ongoing rescue and recovery missions.
Rapid Medical Deployment
Responding directly to the crisis, New Delhi equipped the flight with an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit consisting of 41 specialized medical personnel. Cargo manifests include state-of-the-art BHISHM Cubes, portable units designed specifically for immediate trauma care and rapid emergency response during catastrophic natural disasters across the globe. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Venezuelan citizens during this tragic period. This swift deployment aligns with India's growing geopolitical focus on acting as a reliable first responder across the Global South, successfully bridging geographical divides with tangible, high-impact medical diplomacy.
Global Solidarity in Action
Earlier in the week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep condolences to the affected families and promised full support from the Indian government. Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez acknowledged these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the timely international assistance. Current figures indicate the death toll tragically stands at 235, with health minister Carlos Alvarado reporting over 4,300 injuries. Many victims require urgent surgical interventions, severely straining local healthcare facilities operating in Caracas and the hard-hit Yaracuy state, where the epicentres were located.
Coordinated International Efforts
Other nations have also quickly mobilized military and medical resources to assist the stricken region. United States Southern Command directed its own transport aircraft to deliver high-capacity logistical support to areas experiencing severe structural collapses and widespread devastation. By launching Operation Amistad—meaning 'friendship' in Spanish—India actively joins this growing global coalition, ensuring critical life-saving equipment reaches vulnerable populations affected by the seismic destruction.
