Why is India’s relief mission to Venezuela called Operation Amistad?
India launched Operation Amistad, a humanitarian and disaster relief mission, in response to the devastating earthquake in Venezuela that resulted in widespread loss of life, injuries and widespread destruction.
“India stands side by side with the government and people of Venezuela at this difficult time,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Two strong earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) evening. Among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century, the tremors were felt throughout the region. The number of victims rose to 920, 3360 people were injured.
What is Operation Amistad?
The name is derived from the Spanish word amistad, meaning friendship, reflecting India’s solidarity with the South American nation in times of crisis.
India and Venezuela share traditionally warm relations based on cooperation in the energy sector and a common commitment to the Global South, the MEA said.
According to the MEA, the two countries have long had cordial ties and converged views on major international, political and economic issues. Along with strengthening bilateral engagement, they cooperated in multilateral forums.
Humanitarian aid
In a statement issued on Friday, June 26, 2026, the MEA said two C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force flew to Venezuela on the morning of June 26, with humanitarian aid and a 41-member rescue team to support rescue and relief efforts.
Operation Amistad is underway!
Two @IAF_MCC C17s flew to Venezuela today with urgent aid to support their earthquake relief efforts.
Aid includes the Indian Army @adgpi A field hospital unit and more than 35 tons of humanitarian supplies, medicines and medical… pic.twitter.com/Dcq8P065tp
—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 26, 2026
“The relief shipment included an independent Indian medical task force, an Indian field hospital unit with HADR pallets and medicines, 30 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, six tonnes of medicines and medical equipment and two BHISHM Cube portable hospitals,” he said.
The 41-member team of experienced rescuers and medics is expected to work closely with Venezuelan authorities in search and rescue operations, emergency medical care and humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
India-Venezuela ties
Delcy Rodriguez, Acting President of Venezuela, during her five-day visit to India beginning June 4, 2026, described India as a “trustworthy partner”. Venezuela is currently undergoing a period of political and economic transformation following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by the United States.
The MEA said India and Venezuela continue to enjoy strong and friendly relations underpinned by expanding cooperation in energy, trade, health and development partnerships.
Venezuela has also supported India’s call for reform of international institutions and has supported India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council for nearly a decade.
Bilateral economic engagement
In terms of economic ties, the MEA noted that bilateral trade between India and Venezuela stood at $678.94 million in 2025-26. He also highlighted growing cooperation in the energy sector, with Venezuela becoming the third largest oil supplier to India in May 2026.
Venezuela, a major energy producer, imports medicine from India to address shortages and high costs from Western suppliers.
The MEA further pointed to existing partnerships, including ONGC Videsh Limited’s joint venture with Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo, along with collaborations in pharmaceuticals, AYUSH, digital solutions and cultural exchanges.
Venezuela has also expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in the critical minerals sector and attracting investment. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has proposed expanding economic engagement beyond the oil sector, including the adoption of the Indian Pharmacopoeia to facilitate pharmaceutical trade and explore opportunities in the automobile sector.
Published – 27 Jun 2026 12:11 IST