Jaishankar Extends Greetings on Venezuela's National Day
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended warm greetings to the government and people of Venezuela on their National Day on July 5, 2026. In a post on X, he congratulated Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil and reaffirmed the ties between the two nations. Jaishankar wrote, 'Warm greetings to FM Yvan Gil, the Government and people of Venezuela on their National Day. Look forward to enhancing our engagement.' He shared an image of the last meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
India's Humanitarian Efforts Under Operation Amistad
India continues its rescue and humanitarian operations in Venezuela under Operation Amistad, following the twin earthquakes that struck the Latin American country last month. On July 4, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil visited the field hospital set up by India and praised the medical services provided there. In a press statement, Gil said that alongside Indian Ambassador P.K. Ashok Babu, he witnessed 'a moving demonstration of solidarity' and thanked Prime Minister Modi for extending a helping hand.
Gil noted that Indian experts are treating nearly 400 people per day, offering a wide range of medical services. 'We have seen that 400 people a day are being assisted in various matters. We have seen people who have been beaten, fractured, with hematoma, during earthquakes. People are also getting dental care, X-ray, minor surgery. Rescuers injured during operations have also received attention,' he said.
International Support and Growing Death Toll
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked several nations for their support during a ceremony to decorate rescuers from the UK, Qatar, France, India, Barbados, Brazil, and Argentina. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the growing bonds of friendship as India continues to provide dedicated medical care. The Indian Embassy in Venezuela posted on X that the field hospital 'continued to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the Venezuelan people thanks to its experience and care.'
According to Venezuela's state broadcaster VTV, the death toll from the earthquakes has risen to 2,954, with 16,592 injured as of July 4. A total of 6,462 people have been rescued, with 29,567 personnel and 26,984 volunteers engaged in relief efforts. An estimated 60,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
