India has launched Operation Amistad to provide humanitarian and medical assistance to Venezuela after the country suffered two devastating earthquakes. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced the operation on Friday and said that two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft had departed with urgent relief supplies and a specialised Army medical team.

Sharing the update on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Operation Amistad underway! Two IAF C17s took off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts." The operation highlights India's role as a first responder, providing humanitarian assistance to countries affected by natural disasters across the world.

The earthquake has caused severe damage in Venezuela. According to Health Minister Carlos Alvarado, the death toll has increased to 235, while nearly 4,300 people have suffered injuries. The disaster has also damaged medical facilities in several affected areas, creating an urgent need for emergency healthcare.

The Indian Army has already deployed a specialised medical contingent from Hindon Air Force Station. The team travelled to Venezuela aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft. The contingent includes 41 personnel, among them nine medical officers from the 60 Para Field Hospital of the Indian Army. This unit has extensive training in providing healthcare during disasters and conflict situations.

After reaching Venezuela, the medical team will establish a field hospital to treat people injured in the earthquakes. The unit can provide trauma management, emergency surgeries, life-saving treatment and other essential medical services in regions where hospitals have suffered major damage.

The Army contingent is carrying nearly six tonnes of medicines, medical equipment and humanitarian relief supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs has provided these materials to strengthen the relief mission and support medical operations on the ground.

A major part of India's assistance package includes the BHISHM Cube, which stands for Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri. India developed this indigenous modular emergency medical facility under the Aarogya Maitri Project. The government designed the system to support humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Relief teams can transport it quickly and set it up as a fully functional field hospital within a short time.

The BHISHM Cube can provide advanced trauma care, emergency surgeries, intensive care support and several other essential healthcare services. It can treat up to 200 patients. The module includes portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, oxygen supply systems and its own independent power source. These features allow doctors to continue treatment even in areas where hospitals are damaged or unavailable. The deployment of the BHISHM Cube has significantly strengthened India's ability to provide rapid medical assistance anywhere in the world.

The entire Operation Amistad mission includes more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian aid. The supplies consist of medicines, medical equipment and emergency relief material. The Indian Air Force is carrying out the operation with its C-17 Globemaster heavy-lift transport aircraft. These aircraft allow the rapid movement of medical teams, field hospitals and large quantities of relief supplies across long distances.

Speaking about the relief mission, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to helping Venezuela during this difficult period. He said, "The assistance contains an Indian Army Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tonnes 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."

Operation Amistad reflects India's continued policy of extending humanitarian assistance to countries facing natural disasters and emergencies. In recent years, India has carried out several international relief missions. The country has deployed naval ships, military transport aircraft, medical teams and disaster response experts to assist nations affected by earthquakes, cyclones, floods and conflicts. Through this latest mission, India aims to provide immediate medical care and humanitarian support to the people of Venezuela as they recover from one of the country's most devastating natural disasters.