On 26 June 2026 India launched Operation Amistad, deploying a 41‑member Army medical team and over 35 tonnes of relief including two BHISHM Cubes to earthquake‑hit Venezuela via two IAF C‑17 Globemaster aircraft.
Operation details
- Date & deployment: 26 June 2026; two IAF C‑17 Globemaster heavy‑lift transports departed Hindon Air Force Station for Venezuela.
- Medical contingent: 41 personnel from the 60 Para Field Hospital specialised in emergency and trauma care.
- Relief consignment: Over 35 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, plus two modular field hospitals (BHISHM Cubes).
- Medical capability: Emergency stabilisation, trauma management and life‑saving surgical support in disaster settings.
BHISHM Cube
- Full form: Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri.
- Design: Rapidly deployable modular field hospital for austere environments.
- Capacity: Each unit configured to treat up to 200 patients in disaster zones.
- Prior use: Deployed earlier to Jamaica and Ukraine for disaster preparedness and surge medical support.
Earthquake facts
- Seismic events: USGS recorded a 7.2‑magnitude foreshock and a 7.5‑magnitude mainshock.
- Impact: Hundreds reported dead and thousands injured; Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency.
India–Venezuela linkages
- Trade: Venezuela became India’s third‑largest crude supplier in May 2026.
- Diplomatic context: Recent high‑level Venezuelan engagement with New Delhi preceded the relief mission.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- HADR: Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief covers rapid military logistics, medical aid and evacuation in disasters.
- IAF C‑17: Strategic heavy‑lift transport used for long‑range HADR airlift of personnel and outsized cargo.