Operation Amistad, India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela, concluded successfully with the return of the Indian contingent to New Delhi. The mission was launched following the devastating earthquakes in June 2026 that caused widespread destruction and humanitarian distress.
Acting President of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, H.E. Ms. Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, expressed gratitude to India for its timely assistance, solidarity, and humanitarian support. The operation reflects India’s commitment to global humanitarian assistance under the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family).
Operation Amistad
Meaning
- “Amistad” is a Spanish word meaning “Friendship.”
- The name symbolizes India’s friendship and solidarity with the people of Venezuela during a humanitarian crisis.
Nature of the Mission
- A Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission.
- Purely humanitarian in nature, focusing on: Emergency medical care, Saving lives, Humanitarian assistance, Disaster relief
- Not a military combat operation.
Why Was Operation Amistad Launched?
- In June 2026, Venezuela experienced two major earthquakes within a short period.
- The earthquakes caused:
- Extensive destruction of homes
- Damage to hospitals
- Road and communication infrastructure collapse
- Disruption of public utilities
- Large-scale displacement and injuries
- India launched Operation Amistad to provide immediate humanitarian relief and medical assistance.
Indian Assistance
On 26 June 2026, the Indian Air Force deployed humanitarian assistance using:
Airlift:
- Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft
Medical Team:
- A 41-member contingent from the Indian Army’s 60 Para Field Hospital Unit, comprising: Anaesthesiologists, Support personnel, Physicians, Orthopaedic surgeons, Surgeons, Paramedical staff, Dental surgeons
Medical & Relief Supplies
- Two BHISHM Cubes (portable modular field hospitals)
- 6 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment
- 30 tonnes of emergency relief material, including: Solar lamps, Tents, Generator sets, Portable water purifiers
Humanitarian Impact
- The mission was undertaken in close coordination with the Government of Venezuela.
- During deployment, the Indian Army Field Hospital treated hundreds of earthquake-affected people.
- Conducted:
- Over 8,000 medical procedures and laboratory investigations
- More than 20 major surgeries
BHISHM Cube Technology
BHISHM – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri
- Indigenously developed modular field hospitals.
- Portable and rapidly deployable.
- Designed for disaster response and emergency medical support.
BHISHM Significance
- Enables rapid establishment of medical facilities in disaster-hit areas.
- Enhances India’s HADR capabilities.
- Demonstrates indigenous innovation in humanitarian response.
Significance
- Demonstrates India’s growing role as a first responder during international humanitarian crises.
- Strengthens India–Venezuela bilateral relations.
- Highlights India’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy.
- Reflects the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- Showcases India’s capability in rapid disaster response through:
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Army Medical Corps
- Indigenous technologies like BHISHM Cubes.
Major International Humanitarian Missions Conducted by India
| Operation | Year | Country | Purpose |
| Operation Maitri | 2015 | Nepal | Earthquake relief |
| Operation Rahat | 2015 | Yemen | Evacuation during conflict |
| Operation Sankat Mochan | 2016 | South Sudan | Evacuation mission |
| Operation Samudra Setu | 2020 | Indian Ocean Region | Repatriation during COVID-19 |
| Operation Devi Shakti | 2021 | Afghanistan | Evacuation and humanitarian support |
| Operation Ganga | 2022 | Ukraine | Evacuation during war |
| Operation Kaveri | 2023 | Sudan | Evacuation during civil conflict |
| Operation Amistad | 2026 | Venezuela | Earthquake relief and humanitarian assistance |