Abidjan: Two Indian Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft passed through Abidjan en route to Venezuela carrying relief consignments and a medical team as part of Operation Amistad, the Embassy of India in Côte d’Ivoire said.
The embassy said the two C-17s were transporting about 35 tonnes of relief equipment, an Indian Army field hospital contingent and two BHISHM Cubes. The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, and is equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, life‑saving surgical support and other essential healthcare services to Venezuela, which was struck by a devastating twin earthquake on the country’s northern side, ANI reported.
“The contingent comprises 41 personnel, including nine medical officers, and is equipped to provide emergency medical care, trauma management, life-saving surgical support and other essential healthcare services to those affected by the earthquake,” the embassy added.
Supplies & Mobile Hospital Aboard
The contingent is carrying about six tonnes of medical supplies and humanitarian aid dispatched by the Ministry of External Affairs. One C-17 is loaded with a BHISHM Cube (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri) sent under India’s Aarogya Maitri initiative.
What the BHISHM Cube Provides
The BHISHM Cube is an indigenous, rapidly deployable modular medical unit for disaster response. Made of compact, self-contained modules, it can be erected quickly into a working field hospital with an approximate capacity of 200 patients. The setup includes portable ventilators, patient monitors, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, its own power-generation units and oxygen support systems.
Diplomatic Reach Through Aid
The embassy said the deployment demonstrates India’s ability to deliver timely medical assistance during international emergencies. It added that sending the medical team and equipment under Operation Amistad underscores New Delhi’s sustained commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and its willingness to support friendly nations in crisis.
Operation Amistad’s Leadership Signal
Launched after the severe earthquakes in northern Venezuela, Operation Amistad represents India’s rapid-response contribution to relief efforts and is presented as an act of global solidarity and humanitarian leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The move also reflects the diplomatic direction of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and India’s intent to stand with partner countries.
Casualties & Rescue Constraints
According to CNN and remarks by Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, at least 1,430 people have died and 3,238 were injured after the twin quakes. Around 3,142 families have lost homes. Rescue operations press on even as the critical window for saving lives narrows, impeded by shortages of heavy machinery and continuing aftershocks.
