Reinforcing India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), the Indian Army has launched Operation Amistad, deploying a specialised medical contingent to support relief operations in earthquake-affected northern Venezuela.
The medical team, drawn from the 60 Para Field Hospital, departed Hindon Air Force Station on Friday afternoon aboard two Indian Air Force transport aircraft and is currently en route to the disaster-hit nation.
The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, supported by nursing staff, paramedics and technical specialists. The team is equipped to deliver comprehensive emergency healthcare, including trauma management, life-saving surgical interventions, critical care and other essential medical services for earthquake victims.
To sustain relief operations, the contingent is carrying approximately six tonnes of medical stores and humanitarian aid, supplied by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
A key component of the mission is the deployment of the BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project, which is being transported aboard one of the IAF aircraft.
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical facility designed specifically for humanitarian emergencies and disaster response. Built as a self-contained field medical system, it can be assembled within a short timeframe to establish a fully functional field hospital capable of treating up to 200 patients.
The modular facility is equipped with advanced trauma care capabilities, emergency surgical suites, intensive care support, portable ventilators, patient monitoring systems, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, oxygen generation systems and independent power supply, enabling medical teams to operate effectively in austere and disaster-stricken environments.
The deployment marks another demonstration of India’s expanding Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief capabilities and highlights the growing role of the Armed Forces in supporting international disaster response missions.
Operation Amistad reflects India’s policy of extending timely assistance to partner nations during humanitarian crises while showcasing the operational readiness of the Indian Army and the strategic airlift capability of the Indian Air Force. The mission also underscores New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation through rapid medical assistance, disaster response and humanitarian diplomacy.
With the specialised medical contingent and advanced deployable medical infrastructure now en route, India is poised to provide immediate life-saving support and medical care to communities affected by the devastating earthquake in Venezuela.
