Operation Amistad: India Sends Army Field Hospital To Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

India on Friday launched Operation Amistad, dispatching two Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster strategic transport aircraft carrying an Army field hospital, a specialised 41-member medical team and more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to earthquake-hit Venezuela. The mission is aimed at supporting rescue, relief and medical operations in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the South American nation.

The relief contingent has been drawn from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital and comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers trained in disaster response and emergency healthcare. The team is equipped to provide trauma care, emergency medical treatment, life-saving surgeries and other critical healthcare services to people affected by the disaster. Along with the personnel, India has also dispatched nearly six tonnes of medical equipment and humanitarian aid supplied by the Ministry of External Affairs.

A key component of the mission is the deployment of a BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cube, an indigenously developed portable modular hospital under India's Aarogya Maitri Project. Designed for rapid deployment during emergencies, the BHISHM Cube consists of 72 portable modules and can be assembled within 12 minutes. It is capable of treating up to 200 patients, including those requiring surgery, and is equipped with portable ventilators, ultrasound and X-ray machines, defibrillators, an operation theatre, a mini-intensive care unit, and independent power and oxygen supply systems.

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Announcing the launch of the humanitarian mission on X, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, "Operation Amistad underway! Two C17s took off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts." He reiterated India's commitment to standing with the government and people of Venezuela during the crisis, highlighting New Delhi's readiness to provide timely humanitarian assistance whenever required.

Operation Amistad reflects India's expanding role in international disaster relief and humanitarian assistance. Over the years, the country has undertaken several overseas relief operations following earthquakes, floods, pandemics and other natural disasters, deploying military aircraft, naval ships, medical teams and emergency supplies to affected nations. Initiatives such as the Aarogya Maitri Project and the development of the BHISHM Cube underscore India's growing emphasis on rapid-response healthcare capabilities that can be deployed both domestically and internationally.

The deployment to Venezuela marks another significant humanitarian mission by the Indian government, demonstrating its ability to mobilise strategic airlift capabilities and specialised medical resources at short notice. As rescue and recovery efforts continue in the earthquake-affected areas, the Indian medical contingent is expected to work alongside local authorities to provide emergency treatment and strengthen healthcare services for those impacted by the disaster, reinforcing India's commitment to global humanitarian cooperation.

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