Operation Amistad: India's HADR mission completes 8,000+ medical procedures in Venezuela
Synopsis
India's Operation Amistad wrapped up with over 8,000 medical procedures — including 20+ major surgeries — performed by the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital in earthquake-hit Venezuela. Deployed via C-17 aircraft with BHISHM Cube mini-hospitals and 36 tonnes of supplies, the mission drew personal thanks from Venezuela's Acting President to PM Modi, underscoring India's expanding humanitarian reach into South America.
Key Takeaways
India's Operation Amistad HADR mission in Venezuela concluded with over 8,000 medical procedures and more than 20 major surgeries .
A 41-member contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital Unit was deployed, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, and orthopaedic specialists.
Two IAF C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carried the team, two BHISHM Cubes , 6 tonnes of medicines, and 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies on 26 June .
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez and Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil both personally thanked PM Modi .
The MEA cited the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in affirming India's commitment to partner nations during crises.
India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela, conducted under 'Operation Amistad', concluded with the Indian Army's Field Hospital delivering over 8,000 medical procedures and laboratory investigations — including more than 20 major surgeries — to hundreds of disaster-affected civilians. The Indian contingent returned home on Friday, 11 July 2025, after what officials described as a highly successful deployment.
Scale of the Medical Operation
The mission was anchored by a 41-member contingent from the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital Unit, airlifted to Venezuela on 26 June aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The team comprised surgeons, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons, dental and other physicians, paramedical staff, and support personnel.
Alongside the medical team, India deployed two BHISHM Cubes — state-of-the-art modular, portable mobile mini-hospitals designed for rapid disaster response under the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri programme. The aircraft also carried six tonnes of essential medicines and medical equipment, and 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies, including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.
Venezuela's Response and Diplomatic Significance
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez personally thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's timely help, support, and solidarity. On Tuesday, Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil also expressed gratitude to the Indian health professionals and lauded their work at the field hospital.
A farewell ceremony was held at the 'Simon Bolivar' International Airport in La Guaira, where Venezuela's Vice Minister for International Communication Rander Pena thanked the Indian staff and India's Ambassador to Venezuela P K Ashok Babu.
What the Ministry of External Affairs Said
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed India's appreciation to the Venezuelan government for the assistance and cooperation extended throughout the mission. In an official statement, the MEA said: 'Operation Amistad underscores the enduring friendship and solidarity between India and Venezuela and reflects India's abiding commitment to stand steadfastly with partner countries in difficult times, in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — The World Is One Family.'
Broader Context: India's HADR Footprint
This is not the first time India has deployed rapid-response medical assets following a foreign natural disaster. The BHISHM Cube system, developed indigenously, has been positioned as a cornerstone of India's global humanitarian outreach. Notably, Operation Amistad represents one of the longest-range HADR deployments by the Indian Army in recent years, spanning South America — a region where India has historically maintained limited but growing diplomatic engagement.
As Venezuela continues its recovery from the earthquake, the mission's conclusion marks the end of India's on-ground presence, though diplomatic goodwill generated by the operation is expected to reinforce bilateral ties going forward.
Point of View
South America, where India's strategic footprint has traditionally been thin. The BHISHM Cube deployment is particularly worth tracking: it signals that India is building a rapid-response medical export capability that doubles as soft power. The effusive thanks from Venezuela's Acting President and Foreign Minister are not incidental — they reflect how rare it is for an Asian power to show up with surgical teams and field hospitals in Latin America. The question now is whether India follows through with sustained engagement or whether Operation Amistad remains a one-off goodwill gesture.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Operation Amistad?
Operation Amistad was India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief mission to Venezuela, launched following devastating earthquakes. The Indian Army's 60 Para Field Hospital Unit provided medical care to hundreds of affected civilians, completing over 8,000 medical procedures and more than 20 major surgeries before the contingent returned home on 11 July 2025.
How many personnel and supplies did India send to Venezuela?
India deployed a 41-member medical contingent via two IAF C-17 Globemaster III aircraft on 26 June, along with two BHISHM Cube modular mini-hospitals, six tonnes of medicines and equipment, and 30 tonnes of emergency relief supplies including tents, solar lamps, portable water purifiers, and generator sets.
What is a BHISHM Cube?
A BHISHM Cube is a state-of-the-art modular, portable mobile mini-hospital developed under India's Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri programme. Designed for rapid disaster response, it can be airlifted and deployed quickly in crisis zones, providing hospital-grade care in the field.
How did Venezuela respond to India's assistance?
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez personally thanked PM Modi for India's timely help. Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil also publicly lauded the Indian health professionals. A farewell ceremony was held at Simon Bolivar International Airport in La Guaira, where Vice Minister Rander Pena thanked the Indian team and India's Ambassador P K Ashok Babu.
What did India's Ministry of External Affairs say about the mission?
The MEA said Operation Amistad underscores the enduring friendship and solidarity between India and Venezuela, and reflects India's commitment to stand with partner countries in difficult times, invoking the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — 'The World Is One Family.' The ministry also conveyed appreciation to Venezuela for its cooperation throughout the mission.
