India Extends Diplomatic Greetings and Disaster Aid to Venezuela

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar extended official greetings to Venezuela and Cabo Verde on July 5, 2026, marking their respective National and Independence Days. These diplomatic gestures coincided with India's ongoing humanitarian efforts in Venezuela following two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck in late June.

Under Operation Amistad, the Government of India established a field hospital at the Caracas Racetrack. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil visited the facility on July 4, reporting that Indian experts treat approximately 400 people daily for fractures, hematomas, and other surgical needs. The disasters caused nearly 3,000 deaths and damaged roughly 60,000 buildings. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez honored Indian rescuers during a decoration ceremony, while Minister Gil praised the solidarity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Separately, Jaishankar sent greetings to Cabo Verdean Foreign Minister Manuel Amante da Rosa, highlighting maritime cooperation. This followed a May 8 port call by the Indian Navy's INS Sudarshini at Mindelo, where the crew conducted seamanship drills on the vessel Guardiao and held security discussions with the Cabo Verde Coast Guard as part of the Lokayan 26 expedition.