The twin earthquakes in Venezuela have left a trail of death and destruction, with nearly a thousand deaths and well over that number yet to be accounted for. Rescue operations have begun in earnest in the oil-rich nation. India has sent a 41-member team from the famed 60 Parachute Field Ambulance to Venezuela, a country half the world away, aboard an Indian Air Force C-17 strategic transport aircraft.This is not the first time India’s armed forces have carried out humanitarian rescue and relief missions beyond the country’s borders. From responding to natural disasters to evacuating civilians from active war zones, the Army, Navy and Air Force have repeatedly stepped in to help citizens of other countries in need. These missions have highlighted India’s ability to respond rapidly during emergencies.
Operation Maitri, Nepal (2015)Following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, India became the first country to send assistance. The Army and Air Force rescued thousands of people, established field hospitals and delivered essential relief supplies. Operation Raahat, Yemen (2015)During the civil war in Yemen, the Indian Navy and Air Force evacuated more than 4,700 Indians and nearly 2,000 foreign nationals from Aden.
Citizens of over 40 countries were rescued in one of India’s largest evacuation missions.Operation Sankat Mochan, South Sudan (2016)When fighting broke out in Juba, India airlifted 156 of its citizens to safety, carrying out the operation despite the difficult security situation.Operation Samudra Setu (2020)During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Navy launched a major repatriation mission, bringing home thousands of stranded Indians by sea from Gulf countries and other regions.Operation Brahma, Myanmar (2025)Following a powerful earthquake, the Indian Army established a 60-bed field hospital. The Navy and Air Force also transported hundreds of tonnes of relief material. Poll How important do you think it is for countries to engage in humanitarian missions?