India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, Operation Amistad, is actively providing emergency healthcare and relief in Venezuela, which was struck by twin earthquakes causing widespread destruction and casualties in the northern part of the country.
Indian Army Medical Teams Deployed
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared updates on Monday via posts on X, stating that Indian Army medical teams are delivering emergency care as Venezuela recovers from the devastating earthquakes. Videos and messages from the MEA highlight India's relief efforts, including the deployment of an Indian Army Field Hospital and humanitarian assistance.
In one video shared by the MEA, a Venezuelan resident expressed gratitude for India's support. She said, "I am truly grateful for the solidarity that emanates from all of us Venezuelans in these moments when we are in such need of humanitarian aid. Welcome and thank you very much on behalf of all the Venezuelan people... A thousand thanks and blessings to all of you and your people."
Venezuelan Officials Visit Field Hospital
The MEA also shared visuals of a visit by Venezuela's Vice Health Minister and Head of Government of the Capital District, Jacqueline Faria, to the Indian Army Field Hospital established under Operation Amistad. During the visit, the Vice Health Minister thanked India and other countries for their assistance.
"Well, first of all, [I'd like] to express gratitude for all the solidarity," he said. "Truly, we are very grateful to all nations and especially now to India. And of course, we receive with open arms all the aid, all the donations, and all that equipment and welcome it. Well, we are deeply grateful for the generosity and for the solidarity of all the countries that in one way or another have come with a helping hand to contribute and to help in what is the human life camp and in what has been the medical care, of course, from all this team of health specialists."
The Vice Health Minister acknowledged India's position as a major global producer of medicine and pharmaceutical products, expressing gratitude for the relief shipment. "India is a major producer of medicine; truly, we are also very grateful for all these shipments they bring us to ensure the supply of medications for all those who have been victims and injured. And of course, well, the transitional camps have helped all these people who have been left homeless and all these families who have experienced this tragic condition that has occurred and of course, well, it is demonstrated that this stage of what we could call 'peace diplomacy' has been convened and all countries have shown solidarity to ensure the best existing conditions," he stated.
Indian Army Doctors Providing Care
The MEA also shared visuals of Indian Army doctors attending to patients, stating, "Operation Amistad: Indian Army doctors taking care of people," and added in another post, "Operation Amistad underway in Venezuela. Army Field Hospital giving a caring hand to those impacted by the earthquake."
Details of the Mission
India launched Operation Amistad as a gesture of solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the twin earthquakes that resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction. As part of the mission, a 41-member Indian contingent comprising experienced rescue personnel and medical professionals has been deployed to work alongside Venezuelan authorities in search and rescue operations, emergency medical care, and humanitarian relief efforts in affected regions.
The contingent carried approximately six tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian relief supplies provided by the MEA. In addition, they transported 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 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.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As of Sunday, at least 1,450 people have died since the earthquakes, according to an update from the country's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. Additionally, 3,150 others were injured, and at least 12,721 people lost their homes. Rescue teams continue to search for survivors as the critical rescue window narrows, with operations hindered by a shortage of heavy equipment and persistent aftershocks.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday. Since then, the country has experienced multiple aftershocks and smaller tremors, complicating ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
