India's Operation Amistad delivers 66 tonnes of aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela

India's humanitarian assistance under Operation Amistad has reached Venezuela, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on Sunday. The aid includes a field hospital unit, relief supplies, medicines, and medical equipment, aimed at bolstering ongoing relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country.

Mr. Jaishankar shared the update on social media platform X, stating that the consignment would support post-earthquake relief. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also provided details of the mission, noting that two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft completed a demanding 23-hour flight from Delhi to Caracas, covering over 14,000 kilometres.

The aircraft landed at Maiquetía International Airport, Caracas, carrying 66 tonnes of humanitarian aid. This includes an Indian Army field hospital, over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, medicines, medical equipment, and two BHISHM Cubes – modular medical units. The IAF described the operation as a demonstration of India's capability to deliver hope across continents.

The mission, named Operation Amistad (meaning 'friendship' in Spanish), was launched by India to offer assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes – of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 – struck the country on Wednesday evening. The earthquakes were among the strongest in Venezuela in over a century and were felt across the region.

According to reports, the death toll from the quakes had risen to 1,430 as of Saturday, with thousands reported missing. The number of casualties may climb further as rescue operations continue.

Earlier, on June 26, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Venezuela during this difficult period. The IAF reaffirmed India's growing role as a responsible first responder and a reliable humanitarian partner.