India launched ‘Operation Amistad’ under which the nation has dispatched a specialised Indian Army medical contingent and tons of relief material to assist people affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, Caracus on Thursday.
The team left from Hindon Air Force Station on Friday afternoon aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft as part of Operation Amistad, the Ministry of Defence said.
“The medical team from 60 Para Field Hospital departed in the afternoon of June 26 from Hindon Air Force Station and is currently en route to Venezuela aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft,” a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said, reported IANS.
41-member team to provide emergency medical care
The medical contingent consists of 41 personnel, including nine medical officers. It is equipped to provide emergency treatment, trauma care, life-saving surgeries and other essential healthcare services for people affected by the earthquake as per the news agency.
The team is also carrying nearly six tonnes of medical equipment and humanitarian relief supplies provided by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Operation Amistad underway!
Two @IAF_MCC C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts.
The assistance contains an Indian Army @adgpi Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical… pic.twitter.com/Dcq8P065tp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 26, 2026
BHISHM Cube to strengthen disaster response
One of the two aircraft is carrying a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project.
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed for disaster and humanitarian relief operations. It can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital capable of treating up to 200 patients, reported the news agency.
The system is equipped with portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, oxygen support systems and power generation units, enabling advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries and intensive care in disaster-hit areas.
Long journey aboard IAF C-17 aircraft
The medical team is travelling aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft. Since the aerial distance between India and Venezuela is around 14,300 kilometres—much more than the aircraft’s operational range of about 4,400 kilometres—the aircraft will make refuelling stops at friendly countries during the journey, according to sources.
India reaffirms commitment to humanitarian assistance
The Ministry of Defence said the mission reflects India’s continued commitment to helping friendly nations during times of crisis.
“The dispatch of the medical contingent under Operation Amistad reflects India’s enduring commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and its readiness to extend timely support to friendly nations in times of crisis,” the spokesperson said.
(With IANS Inputs)
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