India launches ‘Op Amistad’ to aid quake-hit Venezuela; sends relief material, medical assistance

Within the scope of ‘Operation Amistad’ launched by India to provide humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela, two IAF C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying aid materials and a 41-member rescue team set out on Friday to assist the ongoing aid and rescue efforts in the country.

“India stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Venezuela during this difficult time,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Editorial |​Tragic evening: About the earthquake in Venezuela

As a gesture of solidarity with the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, India launched Operation Amistad, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission in response to the devastating earthquake that caused massive loss of life, injuries and widespread destruction.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a post on channel he said.

MEA said in a statement on Friday, June 26, 2026, that within the scope of the operation, two C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force set out for Venezuela on the morning of June 26 to carry humanitarian aid supplies and a rescue team of 41 people to assist in ongoing relief and rescue efforts.

“The relief shipment included a self-contained Indian medical task force, an Indian Army Field Hospital unit with HADR pallets and medicines, 30 tonnes of relief supplies, six tonnes of medicines and medical equipment and two BHISHM cube portable hospitals,” he said. The 41-member team, consisting of experienced rescue personnel and medical experts, will work closely with Venezuelan authorities in search and rescue operations, emergency medical care and humanitarian assistance in affected areas.

“India stands shoulder to shoulder with the government and people of Venezuela during this difficult time. The government of India extends its sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. India will remain in close coordination with the Venezuelan government and will be ready to provide further assistance if needed,” the statement said.

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2026, were among the strongest earthquakes in Venezuela in more than a century and were felt throughout the region.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said in a statement early on Friday, June 26, 2026, that the death toll in two strong earthquakes in Venezuela increased to 920 and there were 3,360 injured.

The death toll may rise as thousands of people are reported missing.