India launched Operation Amistad to support Venezuela after devastating earthquakes struck the country’s northern region, killing hundreds and causing widespread destruction.
Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft carried more than 35 tonnes of relief equipment, including an Indian Army Field Hospital contingent and two BHISHM Cubes under the Aarogya Maitri initiative. The aircraft transited through Abidjan before reaching Venezuela.
The Indian Army medical team includes 41 personnel, with nine medical officers. They are equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, surgical support, and essential healthcare services. Nearly six tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian supplies accompanied the mission.
A key highlight of the operation is the deployment of BHISHM Cubes — portable modular hospitals designed for disaster response. These facilities can be rapidly assembled into fully functional field hospitals, offering trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care, and diagnostic support. Each cube carries ventilators, monitors, surgical instruments, oxygen systems, and power units.
The mission reflects India’s growing capability in technology-driven disaster response and its humanitarian commitment to partner nations. Officials described Operation Amistad as one of India’s farthest humanitarian missions using C-17 aircraft.
The earthquakes, including a magnitude 4.9 tremor off Venezuela’s northern coast, left at least 920 dead and caused severe damage in Caracas and surrounding areas. Relief efforts continue as international assistance arrives.
