In November 1988, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean faced a sudden and violent coup attempt. Within hours, India launched one of the fastest overseas military interventions in its history. The mission was swift, decisive, and executed with precision. It came to be known as Operation Cactus.
The operation demonstrated India’s ability to project power rapidly beyond its borders and stabilise a regional crisis before it escalated.
The Crisis in the Maldives
On the night of 3 November 1988, armed mercenaries attempted to overthrow the government of the Maldives. The attackers seized key locations in the capital, Malé, including government buildings and communication centres.
Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom narrowly escaped capture and urgently requested military assistance from India.
The situation was volatile. Delay could have resulted in a hostile takeover and regional instability.
India’s Rapid Decision
India responded almost immediately.
Political approval was granted within hours, and the armed forces were tasked with mounting a rescue and stabilisation mission. Speed was critical. The objective was clear:
- Secure the Maldivian government
- Neutralise the coup attempt
- Restore lawful authority
There was no margin for prolonged planning.
Airlift and Deployment
The Indian Air Force executed a long-range airlift operation using IL-76 transport aircraft.
Indian Army paratroopers were flown over 2,000 kilometres from Agra to Malé in a matter of hours. The aircraft landed at Hulhulé airport, from where troops moved rapidly into the capital.
The speed of deployment surprised the attackers.
Ground Operations in Malé
Once on the ground, Indian troops moved to secure key locations:
- The presidential palace
- Government offices
- Communication hubs
- Strategic intersections
The mercenaries were quickly overwhelmed. Some attempted to flee using hijacked boats, hoping to escape by sea.
Naval Interception
The Indian Navy played a crucial role in preventing escape.
Indian naval ships intercepted fleeing mercenaries in the open sea and apprehended them. This ensured the complete neutralisation of the coup attempt.
The coordination between air, land, and sea forces was seamless.
Mission Completed in Hours
Within roughly 16 hours of the initial request for help:
- The Maldivian government was restored
- The capital was secured
- All hostile elements were neutralised or captured
Indian forces withdrew soon after, having achieved all objectives without civilian harm or prolonged presence.
Strategic Significance of Operation Cactus
Operation Cactus had far-reaching implications.
It demonstrated:
- India’s rapid response capability
- Effective joint operations across services
- Willingness to act as a regional stabiliser
The operation earned India significant diplomatic goodwill and reinforced trust among Indian Ocean nations.
Lessons From Operation Cactus
The operation highlighted several enduring lessons:
- Speed can be decisive in crisis response
- Joint planning is essential for overseas operations
- Limited objectives reduce escalation risks
- Military force can be used to restore stability, not occupation
These lessons continue to influence India’s strategic thinking.
Why Operation Cactus Still Matters
Operation Cactus is often cited as a textbook example of limited military intervention done right.
It was:
- Clearly defined
- Swiftly executed
- Politically restrained
- Militarily precise
In an era of complex regional challenges, the operation remains relevant as a model for crisis response.
Closing Thoughts
Operation Cactus showed that military power does not always need to be large or prolonged to be effective. Sometimes, speed, clarity, and coordination matter more than scale.
By acting decisively and withdrawing promptly, India demonstrated how force can be used responsibly to protect stability beyond its borders. More than three decades later, Operation Cactus remains a defining moment in India’s military history.