Operation Amistad: India Dispatches Field Hospital, 35 Tonnes of Aid to Earthquake-Hit Venezuela
India launched Operation Amistad on Friday to deliver humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, which was struck by two massive earthquakes near the capital Caracas. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two C-17 aircraft carrying a field hospital unit and over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, including medicines and medical equipment.
External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced the operation on social media, stating that the assistance includes an Indian Army field hospital unit and two indigenously developed BHISHM Cubes. The BHISHM Cube is a rapidly deployable modular field hospital capable of providing advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, and intensive care for up to 200 patients.
The operation comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and pledged India's full support. Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked PM Modi for the messages and offers of assistance.
According to Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado, the death toll has risen to 235, with over 4,300 people injured. Many of the injured have required surgical interventions. The 41-member Indian Army team, including nine medical officers from the 60 Para Field Hospital, is equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, and surgery.
In a message to the Venezuelan people, the Indian Army wrote in Spanish: 'Compartimos su dolor. Estamos con ustedes' (We share your pain. We stand with you.)
