The Indian Army has deployed a specialized medical unit to Venezuela to aid in humanitarian efforts following a severe earthquake in the country’s northern region. The team, consisting of 41 personnel including medical officers, is equipped to deliver emergency medical care, trauma management, surgical support, and essential healthcare services to the quake-affected population. Departing from Hindon Air Force Station, the team is en route to Venezuela aboard two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
The aerial distance between India and Venezuela spans approximately 14,300 km, surpassing the Globemaster’s range of 4,400 km. Due to the lack of air refuelers in India, the aircraft will make refueling stops in friendly nations along the way. The medical contingent is carrying nearly six tonnes of medical supplies and humanitarian aid provided by the Ministry of External Affairs to support their relief efforts in Venezuela.
One of the aircraft is also transporting a BHISHM Cube, a modular medical facility developed under India’s Aarogya Maitri Project, designed for disaster and humanitarian response. This facility, equipped with advanced medical equipment and capable of treating up to 200 patients, enhances India’s ability to provide rapid and effective medical assistance during crises worldwide. The deployment of this medical team under Operation Amistad underscores India’s commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief, demonstrating its readiness to assist friendly nations in times of need.
