India has successfully concluded Operation Amistad, its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched after twin earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. The Indian contingent returned to New Delhi on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Operation Details and Coordination
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the operation underscored India's commitment to supporting partner countries during crises. Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the timely humanitarian assistance.
On June 26, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported a 41-member contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital Unit to Venezuela. The team included surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, dental and other physicians, paramedical staff, and support personnel.
Medical and Relief Supplies Delivered
The mission delivered two BHISHM Cubes—state-of-the-art modular and portable mobile mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response—along with six tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment, and 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable, modular medical facility for disaster and humanitarian response. It comprises compact, self-contained medical modules that can be quickly assembled into a fully functional field hospital, capable of treating up to 200 patients. It is equipped with portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, power generation units, and oxygen support systems.
Impact and Medical Achievements
According to the MEA, Operation Amistad was carried out in close coordination with the Government of Venezuela. During the mission, the field hospital provided critical medical assistance to hundreds of people, conducting more than 8,000 medical procedures and laboratory investigations, including over 20 major surgeries.
As of July 9, the twin earthquakes—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude—have claimed 3,889 lives, injured 16,740 people, and rescued 6,462 individuals. Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reported that 86,794 families have received assistance, with 89 temporary camps sheltering 16,891 people. Additionally, 17,907 people remain homeless. Authorities reported 1,142 aftershocks since the initial earthquakes.
International Response and Solidarity
The report also stated that 3,931 international rescue personnel, along with 30,076 deployed personnel and 29,344 volunteers, are participating in rescue and relief operations. The MEA expressed appreciation to the Government of Venezuela for the cooperation extended to the Indian contingent throughout the mission.
Operation Amistad reflected the enduring friendship and solidarity between India and Venezuela and reaffirmed India's commitment to standing with partner countries in times of need, guided by the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—'The World Is One Family'.
