India has launched Operation Amistad, a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, to support Venezuela following the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

Key Highlights

• Operation Amistad is spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.
• Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft transported humanitarian aid and rescue personnel to Venezuela.
• A 41-member rescue and medical team has been deployed to assist in:
  • Search and rescue operations.
  • Emergency medical care.
  • Humanitarian relief activities.
• The relief package includes:
  • 30 tonnes of relief supplies.
  • 6 tonnes of medicines and medical equipment.
  • An Indian Army Field Hospital Unit.
  • Two BHISHM Cube portable hospitals for rapid medical assistance.

About BHISHM Cube

• BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) Cube is a portable, self-contained emergency medical facility developed by India.
• It enables rapid deployment during disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
• The system contains essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, surgical tools and life-saving medical supplies, allowing doctors to establish a temporary hospital in remote or disaster-affected areas.

Exam Hook – Prelims

Consider the following statements regarding Operation Amistad:

1. It is India’s humanitarian assistance mission launched to support earthquake-hit Venezuela.
2. The operation includes the deployment of Indian Army Field Hospital Units and BHISHM Cube portable hospitals.
3. It is coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs with support from the Indian Air Force.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-Line Wrap

Operation Amistad reflects India’s growing role as a global humanitarian partner through rapid disaster response, medical assistance, and international cooperation.