India Expresses Gratitude for Venezuela's Acknowledgment of Operation Amistad
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday thanked Venezuela for recognizing India's humanitarian assistance following the devastating double earthquake that struck the South American nation on June 24. Jaiswal stated that the relief mission, named Operation Amistad, symbolized the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Responding to a post by Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X (formerly Twitter), Jaiswal wrote, "Thank you for your kind words. It was an honour to serve the people of Venezuela through #OperationAmistad, reflecting the enduring friendship between our two countries."
Venezuela's Official Thanks and Farewell to Indian Medical Team
Venezuela's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Tuesday titled 'Venezuela thanks Indian rescuers for their assistance', expressing gratitude to India's rescue and medical team for their aid after the earthquakes. The ministry stated, "The Bolivarian Government of Venezuela bid farewell this Tuesday to 41 doctors and paramedics from the Army of the Republic of India, who arrived on June 27 as part of the international brigades that the South American country has received after the double earthquake of June 24."
The release highlighted the impact of the Indian contingent's humanitarian work: "The humanitarian advance team set up a field hospital at the National Institute of Racetracks in La Rinconada, Caracas, where more than 1,900 affected people were treated." A farewell ceremony was held at Simon Bolivar International Airport in La Guaira, attended by Vice Minister for International Communication Rander Pena, who thanked the Indian medical personnel, and India's Ambassador to Venezuela, PK Ashok Babu.
International Rescue Efforts and Toll of the Disaster
According to the Venezuelan government, following the double earthquake, Venezuela received 4,338 international rescuers who joined the relief efforts of Venezuelan state officials and volunteers activated from the first moment of the tragedy. Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, reported on July 7 that the twin earthquakes had claimed 3,685 lives and left 16,740 people injured. Additionally, 6,462 people had been rescued, while 86,794 families received humanitarian assistance. The disaster also displaced 17,907 people, leaving them homeless.
India's Continued Relief Efforts and BHISHM Cubes Donation
Earlier, on July 6, the MEA stated that the Army Field Hospital continued its relief efforts in the region. In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Operation Amistad: Extending a helping hand. Making a difference. The Army Field Hospital's relief efforts in Venezuela." The Indian Embassy in Venezuela announced that India donated two BHISHM cubes to Venezuela as part of Operation Amistad. "Indian Army doctors gave a live demo to Venezuelan medical officers about the uses and deployment of the BHISHM cube. India has donated 2 BHISHM cubes to Venezuela as part of Operation Amistad," the embassy said.
Operation Amistad, India's humanitarian mission, was launched to support Venezuela's relief efforts following the June 24 earthquakes, deploying Indian Army doctors and paramedics to provide emergency medical assistance to those affected.
