Operation Amistad, Iran Evacuations, Chabahar: MEA Replies

MEA Parliament replies (30-31 Jul 2026): Iran evacuations, Operation Amistad, Chabahar

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Battle Brief

The External Affairs Ministry answered four questions in Parliament on 30 and 31 July 2026. Operation Amistad sent relief and an Army field hospital to Venezuela after two earthquakes in June. The Tehran embassy helped 2,557 Indians leave Iran by land. India has met its USD 120 million Chabahar commitment, but the US sanctions waiver ended in April.

Fact File

Released: 30 and 31 Jul 2026, MEA (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha replies)
Operation Amistad: launched 26 June 2026 after two earthquakes in Venezuela on 24 June
Relief sent: 30 tons of supplies, 6 tons of medical aid, two BHISHM Cubes, Army field hospital
Iran: 2,557 Indians moved to Armenia/Azerbaijan; about 7,000 still in Iran
Chabahar: USD 120 million commitment met; US waiver ended 26 April 2026
Evacuations: over 32 thousand Indians in five years

In the news

Operation Amistad, Iran evacuations and Chabahar: what happened?

These were written replies during the Monsoon Session. Together they show India’s crisis work abroad: relief far away in Latin America, getting citizens out of a war zone in West Asia, and a strategic port caught in sanctions.

The Army field hospital in Caracas carried out over 8000 medical procedures and tests, including over 20 major surgeries.
Venezuela conferred the “Order of the Hero” award on the Indian Army medical team.
The latest Iran advisory (19 July) asked Indians in Iran to consider leaving and others to postpone travel.
India Ports Global Limited has run Chabahar through a subsidiary since 2018, under a contract of 13 May 2024 with Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.

Back Story

Why does Chabahar matter?

The port was planned to give Afghanistan connectivity for its reconstruction and to boost India’s trade with Central Asia.
The final tranche of India’s USD 120 million was transferred in August 2025.

Why examiners care

Why does Operation Amistad, Iran evacuations and Chabahar matter?

HADR: Operation Amistad extends India’s relief work to Latin America.
Diaspora: Evacuation systems protect Indians in conflict zones.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on Operation Amistad, Iran evacuations and Chabahar?

Operation Amistad: Venezuela earthquake relief, launched 26 June 2026.
BHISHM Cube: portable medical aid unit sent under Amistad.
Chabahar: IPGL; contract of 13 May 2024; USD 120 million.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Parliament and State legislatures

As per MEA (2026-07-31): since hostilities began in February 2026, the Embassy in Tehran helped 2,557 Indians cross from Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan; about 7,000 Indians may still be in Iran.
Operation Amistad is a new name for your HADR list, and in Latin America, far from India's usual area.

Quotable data point
Operation Amistad, launched on 26 June 2026 after two earthquakes hit Venezuela on 24 June, delivered 30 tons of relief, 6 tons of medical aid and two BHISHM Cubes and set up an Army field hospital in Caracas.
MEA: LS Q2096 Operation Amistad, 31 Jul 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

"Operation Amistad" (2026) was India's relief mission to

Answer (c) & explanation

MEA, Lok Sabha reply, 31 Jul 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What is Operation Amistad?

India's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to Venezuela, launched on 26 June 2026 after two earthquakes on 24 June.

How many Indians were helped out of Iran?

The embassy in Tehran helped 2,557 Indians cross into Armenia and Azerbaijan; about 7,000 may still be in Iran.

What is the status of Chabahar?

India has met its USD 120 million commitment, but the US sanctions waiver for the project ended on 26 April 2026.