Operation Cactus (1988)

Operation Cactus was a swift and successful military intervention launched by India in November 1988 to thwart a coup attempt in the Republic of Maldives, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. The operation demonstrated India’s capability and willingness to act as a regional security provider in South Asia and underscored its growing strategic and naval reach. It remains one of the most significant examples of rapid military response in post-independence Indian history.

Background and Context

The Maldives, located south-west of India, comprises over 1,190 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. In November 1988, the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been in power since 1978, faced an armed coup led by a group of Maldivian dissidents with the assistance of about 80–100 mercenaries belonging to the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group.
The coup plotters seized control of the capital city, Malé, on 3 November 1988, taking over government buildings and communication centres. President Gayoom managed to escape capture and sought immediate military assistance from several countries, including India, the United States, and Sri Lanka. India was the first to respond.

Planning and Execution of the Operation

Upon receiving the urgent request from President Gayoom, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, authorised a rapid military operation to restore order in the Maldives. The mission was executed by the Indian Armed Forces under the overall coordination of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, supported by the Indian Navy.
The operation commenced late on 3 November 1988:

• The Indian Air Force deployed Il-76 and AN-32 transport aircraft from Agra Airbase, carrying paratroopers from the 6th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (6 PARA) along with commandos of the National Security Guard (NSG).
• These troops flew over 2,000 kilometres across the Indian Ocean and landed at Hulhulé Airport, adjacent to Malé, within nine hours of the distress call—an extraordinary logistical feat.
• The Indian soldiers quickly secured the airport, advanced to Malé, and liberated key installations.
• President Gayoom was rescued and safely reinstated in power by the morning of 4 November 1988, barely 16 hours after the operation began.

The Indian Navy also played a crucial role in intercepting fleeing mercenaries.

• The naval vessels INS Godavari and INS Betwa pursued and captured the hijacked freighter MV Progress Light, which the rebels had used to escape with hostages, including Maldivians and PLOTE operatives.
• The mercenaries were later handed over to the Maldivian authorities.

Outcome and Significance

Operation Cactus concluded successfully with minimal casualties and achieved its objective of restoring the legitimate government in record time.

• Indian losses: One paratrooper killed and a few others injured.
• Maldivian losses: Limited to a small number of civilian and rebel casualties.

The success of the mission showcased India’s ability to:

• Conduct rapid-response military operations beyond its borders.
• Protect the sovereignty of friendly neighbouring states.
• Assert its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region.

International and Regional Reactions

The operation received widespread international praise.

• The United States, United Kingdom, and other Western powers lauded India’s decisive action.
• The United Nations acknowledged India’s intervention as a legitimate and stabilising effort conducted at the request of the lawful government.
• The event also strengthened Indo-Maldivian relations, with Maldives recognising India as its principal security partner.

For India, Operation Cactus marked a turning point in its foreign and defence policy, reinforcing its image as a responsible regional power capable of safeguarding peace and stability in South Asia. It also illustrated the strategic importance of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Command and Southern Air Command for projecting power across the Indian Ocean.

Strategic and Historical Importance

Operation Cactus holds enduring significance for several reasons:

• It reaffirmed India’s role as a security guarantor in the Indian Ocean region.
• It deterred future coup attempts and ensured political stability in the Maldives.
• It demonstrated the operational readiness and coordination of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It reinforced India’s commitment to the doctrine of regional responsibility—protecting smaller neighbours under threat.

Legacy

In later years, Operation Cactus has been studied as a textbook example of an effective military intervention carried out within the framework of international law. It set a precedent for India’s future humanitarian and stabilisation missions, such as:

• Operation Pawan (1987) in Sri Lanka.
• Operation Sukoon (2006) for evacuating civilians from Lebanon.
• Operation Rahat (2015) during the Yemen conflict.

For the Maldives, the operation not only safeguarded its democratic government but also cemented a lasting partnership with India. The event continues to symbolise trust, cooperation, and shared security interests between the two nations.