India has launched 'Operation Amistad', a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, to support Venezuela after devastating earthquakes struck the South American nation. Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed for Venezuela on June 26, 2026, carrying relief supplies and a 41-member rescue team. The team comprises experienced rescue personnel and medical professionals, including nine medical officers from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital, who will work with Venezuelan authorities on search and rescue, emergency medical care and humanitarian relief. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the consignment included a self-reliant Indian medical task force, an Indian Army Field Hospital unit with HADR pallets and medicines, 30 tons of relief supplies, six tons of medicines and medical equipment, and two BHISHM cube portable hospitals. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment were being sent. The MEA stated that 'India stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and the people of Venezuela during this difficult period' and remains ready to provide further assistance. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck on June 24, 2026 evening were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century. The death toll rose to 920, with 3,360 injured, as announced by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, with thousands reported missing. The operation reflects India's growing role in disaster diplomacy and its first-responder posture in global HADR efforts.
India Launches 'Operation Amistad' to Aid Earthquake-Hit Venezuela with Relief and Medical Assistance
India launched 'Operation Amistad', a HADR mission, sending two IAF C-17 aircraft with a 41-member rescue team, an Army Field Hospital, BHISHM cube portable hospitals and over 35 tons of relief to earthquake-hit Venezuela, where 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes killed 920 and injured 3,360.
Key facts
- Operation Amistad is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by India for earthquake-hit Venezuela.
- Two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed on June 26, 2026 carrying relief supplies and a 41-member rescue team.
- The team includes experienced rescue personnel and medical professionals, with nine medical officers from the Army's 60 Para Field Hospital.
- Relief included an Indian Army Field Hospital with HADR pallets, 30 tons of relief supplies, six tons of medicines, and two BHISHM cube portable hospitals.
- EAM S. Jaishankar said over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment were sent.
- The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes of June 24, 2026 killed 920 and injured 3,360 people.
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Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
With reference to 'Operation Amistad', consider the following statements: 1. It is a naval blockade operation launched by India against Venezuela. 2. Under the operation, India dispatched four IAF C-17 aircraft carrying a 100-member team. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are incorrect. Operation Amistad is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by India to AID earthquake-hit Venezuela, not a naval blockade. Under the operation, India dispatched TWO IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying a 41-member rescue team, not four aircraft with a 100-member team. Hence neither statement is correct.
Source: The Hindu
Frequently asked questions
What is Operation Amistad?
Operation Amistad is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission launched by India to aid Venezuela after devastating earthquakes, sending relief material and medical assistance.
What did India send under Operation Amistad?
India sent two IAF C-17 aircraft with a 41-member rescue team, an Indian Army Field Hospital unit, 30 tons of relief supplies, six tons of medicines and equipment, and two BHISHM cube portable hospitals.
How severe were the Venezuela earthquakes?
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck on June 24, 2026 and were among the strongest in over a century, killing 920 people and injuring 3,360.
What are BHISHM cubes?
As mentioned in the relief consignment, BHISHM cubes are portable hospital units; two were sent as part of the medical assistance to Venezuela.
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