'Operation Amistad underway! Two IAF C17s took off today for Venezuela': Jaishankar

India has launched Operation Amistad and dispatched relief supplies, medicines, medical equipment, and a field hospital unit to earthquake-hit Venezuela as the scale of the disaster continued to rise on Thursday and Friday.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft had taken off for Venezuela with urgent assistance, while the aid package includes more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian relief.

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A timely answer to a mounting crisis

The assistance includes an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, two BHISHM Cubes, and emergency medical material meant to support treatment in areas where health infrastructure has been damaged.

The deployed medical contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers from the 60 Para Field Hospital of the Indian Army. It has been sent from Hindon Air Force Station on the two aircraft.

Jaishankar said on X, “Operation Amistad underway! Two IAF C17s took off today for Venezuela,” while adding that the aid package contains “an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines, and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes.” He said India is committed to supporting the government and people of Venezuela during the crisis.

Kind words, swift action, steady resolve

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed grief over the devastation, writing on X that he was “deeply saddened” by the earthquakes in Venezuela and extending condolences to the victims’ families.

Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked Modi for the messages of condolence and support. Separately, Venezuela’s health minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll had reached 235, with 4,300 injured people being treated, and that many serious cases required surgical intervention.

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FAQs

Q1: What is Operation Amistad?

Ans: Operation Amistad is India's humanitarian relief mission to provide medical teams, field hospitals and emergency supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela.

Q2: What aid has India sent to Venezuela after the earthquake?

Ans: India has dispatched two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft carrying over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medical equipment, two BHISHM Cubes and an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit.