New Delhi, June 26 -- In a gesture of solidarity with the people of Venezuela, India has launched 'Operation Amistad', a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, in response to the devastating earthquake that has caused extensive loss of life, injuries and widespread destruction.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted in an official statement that as part of the operation, two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed for Venezuela on Friday morning, carrying humanitarian relief supplies and a 41-member rescue team to assist the ongoing relief and rescue efforts.

As per the MEA, the relief consignment included a self-reliant Indian medical task force, an Indian Army Field Hospital unit with HADR pallets and ...