India's Army Field Hospital in earthquake-devastated Venezuela is drawing heartfelt praise from survivors and locals, as Operation Amistad — New Delhi's humanitarian mission — continues to deliver critical medical care weeks after twin earthquakes struck the country. A survivor treated at the facility described the care as 'excellent', offering a rare human window into the scale of India's relief effort on the ground.

Survivors Speak: 'A Gentle Touch'

A patient recovering from multiple fractures — including two fractures in his arm and a hairline fracture in his foot — sustained when the earthquake struck La Guaira, the epicentre of the disaster, credited the Indian medical team's compassionate approach for his comfort. 'The treatment is excellent. Indian team here has a gentle touch. One doesn't feel any pain. Thank you so much for your help,' he said.

The man, who was with his father and sister when the quake hit, was among the many patients now receiving care at the field hospital established by the Indian Army in Venezuela. His remarks, shared in a video posted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X, have since drawn widespread attention.

Local Voices: Dedication and Commitment

A local resident who accompanied a patient to the field hospital also expressed admiration for the Indian medical professionals. 'I admire the skills you demonstrate, the dedication and the care you give to each patient here. And I have seen how committed you are to each patient here, in these conditions,' she said.

She added: 'I have seen the dedication, effort, and love put into the care of each patient treated here. Hopefully, what is being done here will be replicated. Love, dedication, commitment, a sense of calling, and respect for every patient. I am very grateful.'

What Operation Amistad Entails

India launched Operation Amistad in response to the catastrophic twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on 24 June, claiming over 2,000 lives and causing widespread destruction. Indian humanitarian assistance — comprising the Army Field Hospital Unit, relief supplies, medicines, and medical equipment — reached Venezuela on 28 June.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the arrival of the assistance, expressing confidence that the deployment would 'bolster ongoing post-earthquake relief efforts in the country.' MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also posted on X: 'Care brings hope. The Army Field Hospital is serving communities with dedication and compassion.'

India's Humanitarian Footprint

Operation Amistad is the latest instance of India deploying military medical assets abroad in crisis response — a pattern that has grown more visible under New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Global South' outreach frameworks. Venezuela, though geographically distant, represents India's broader push to position itself as a first-responder partner in humanitarian emergencies beyond its immediate region.

As recovery efforts continue in La Guaira and surrounding areas, the Indian field hospital is expected to remain operational in the weeks ahead, with the MEA continuing to document and share its work.