India Initiates Operation Amistad to Aid Venezuela After Earthquake
NEW DELHI: In a prompt response to the catastrophic earthquakes that recently hit northern Venezuela, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), has launched Operation Amistad. This mission involves the deployment of a specialized medical unit aimed at bolstering humanitarian relief efforts in the affected areas.
The medical team, hailing from the 60 Para Field Hospital, set off on Friday from the Hindon air force station and is en route to Venezuela aboard two IAF aircraft.
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar shared an update on X, stating, “Operation Amistad underway. Two IAF C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts. The assistance contains an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines, and medical equipment, including two BHISHM Cubes. India is committed to supporting the Government and people of Venezuela in this difficult time.”
The contingent consists of 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, equipped to provide various essential healthcare services. These include emergency medical care, trauma management, and life-saving surgical support, aimed at aiding those affected by the earthquake.
Additionally, the team carries approximately 6 tonnes of medical supplies and humanitarian relief resources facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Notably, one of the two aircraft is transporting a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) as part of India’s Aarogya Maitri Project. This advanced, modular medical facility is specifically designed for disaster and humanitarian responses.
The BHISHM Cube consists of compact, self-contained medical modules that can be rapidly assembled into a fully operational field hospital, capable of providing advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, and intensive care support for up to 200 patients. It includes portable ventilators, patient monitors, and diagnostic tools, along with surgical instruments, power generation, and oxygen support systems. This state-of-the-art facility significantly enhances India’s ability to offer swift and effective medical assistance during humanitarian crises worldwide.
The deployment of this medical unit under Operation Amistad underscores India’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief, highlighting its willingness to provide timely support to friendly nations during times of crisis.
