India has sent humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck west of Caracas on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The response, called Operation Amistad, adds to a broader record of Indian disaster relief, medical support and emergency supplies delivered overseas.
Under the mission, two Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft carried an Indian Army field hospital, two BHISHM emergency medical units, medicines, medical equipment and more than 35 tonnes of relief supplies. Indian medical and rescue personnel were also deployed to coordinate with Venezuelan authorities.
India Humanitarian Aid Extends Beyond Venezuela
Operation Amistad follows several major Indian relief missions. After the February 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, India launched Operation Dost, sending search-and-rescue teams, trained dogs, medical personnel, specialised equipment and a field hospital.
In Nepal, Operation Maitri began after the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Indian forces conducted thousands of sorties, rescued or evacuated approximately 11,200 people and transported about 1,700 tonnes of relief material.
India also launched Operation Neer in December 2014 after a fire disrupted Malé’s desalination plant in the Maldives. Indian naval vessels delivered fresh drinking water and produced additional potable water offshore.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vaccine Maitri supplied Indian-made vaccines internationally. Official records distinguish grant assistance from commercial exports and COVAX supplies, an important detail when assessing the program as humanitarian aid.
India later provided wheat, medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan. During Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, Indian support included food, medicines, fuel and other essential supplies through a combination of assistance and credit facilities.
The Sanskrit phrase “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “the world is one family,” is often associated with India’s approach to international solidarity. Beyond symbolism, these missions demonstrate how India has used military transport, medical teams and emergency logistics to support countries facing earthquakes, health emergencies, water shortages and economic crises.
