India's Operation Amistad: Relief Reaches Earthquake-Hit Venezuela

India's humanitarian aid for earthquake-hit Venezuela has reached the country under Operation Amistad, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed on June 28, 2026. He said the consignment, which includes a field hospital unit, relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment, would strengthen the ongoing rescue and recovery work after the disaster.

Two C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force carried out the mission, flying more than 14,000 kilometres from Delhi to Caracas in a single demanding deployment of about 23 hours. The aircraft landed at Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas with around 66 tonnes of aid on board.

The cargo included an Indian Army field hospital, over 35 tonnes of relief material, medicines and medical equipment, and two BHISHM Cubes — portable, modular medical kits designed to provide emergency care in disaster zones. A 41-member rescue team also travelled with the supplies to support relief operations on the ground.

The operation was a response to two powerful earthquakes, of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, that struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, 2026. They were among the strongest tremors recorded in the country in over a century. By June 28, the death toll had climbed to 1,430, with thousands still reported missing.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on June 26 that India stood "shoulder to shoulder" with the government and people of Venezuela during the crisis. Officials described the transoceanic mission as proof of India's growing role as a dependable first responder and humanitarian partner across continents.