{"id":11731,"date":"2025-12-28T17:02:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T11:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=11731"},"modified":"2025-12-29T15:13:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T09:43:24","slug":"operation-cactus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/operation-cactus\/","title":{"rendered":"Operation Cactus, Background, Execution, Current Relevance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Operation Cactus is one of the successful Indian Military Operations carried out by India in Maldives to rescue the Democratically Elected Government led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom from a Military Coup. It was one of the rare missions which involved all the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces - Air Force, Navy and Army. The Military Coup was attempted by a group of Maldivian rebels led by Abdullah Luthufi along with the support of a Tamil separatist group of Sri Lanka called People\u2019s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Operation Cactus<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Operation Cactus has the involvement of all three Indian forces, a mission led by Indian Armed forces to thwart the coup attempt on the 2nd president of the archipelagic country of Maldives-Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The coup rebels were backed and funded by a rogue Maldivian businessman Abdullah Luthufi and supported by PLOTE mercenaries. Luthufi aimed to install a puppet regime to facilitate illicit activities such as smuggling of gold, arms, and narcotics. Earlier also in 1980 and 1983, two coups were attempted against President Gayoom but being on small and unorganised scale they did not succeed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Also Read: Operation Sindoor<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Operation Cactus Background<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Buildup to Operation Cactus began 2 days before 3rd November 1988. Aboard a Sri Lankan Freighter around 100 PLOTE mercenaries landed in capital Male and quickly captured vital locations, took control over TV and radio stations and made their way towards the Presidential Palace. By then President Gayoom was already escorted to a safe house.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Failing to take down the President the mercenaries resorted to taking key government ministers as hostages. Foreign Secretary of Male asked for help from neighbouring nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Singapore who refused citing lack of military might. India responded positively and quickly mobilised\u00a0 its Parachute forces.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Operation Cactus Planning<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Once India committed to help, quick and strategic planning was imperative to Operation Cactus. The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presided over an urgent meeting, attended by all three service chiefs. By noon, the Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs allowed military help for President Gayoom and Para Brigades were mobilized in Agra on short notice. Naval Reconnaissance Aircraft were sent over to Maldives to inform about movements on Hulule Strip which was decided to be the launchpad of Para forces.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Also Read: S-400 Defence System<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Operation Cactus Execution<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Beginning on the night of 3rd November Operation Cactus was a unique Tri Service operation which required efficient coordination and execution to be successful. 6th Parachute Regiment, 17th Parachute Regiment and an Independent Parachute Brigade aboard Ilyushin Transport Aircraft landed on Hulule Airport which the militants missed to take over. This was done in a record time of just 9 hours after the distress call was made by Maldives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Securing the safety of the airport, President Gayoom was rescued and Indian forces reached the capital Male by boat. After hours of prolonged gunfight engagement the Indian Forces established control over Male.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Operation Cactus Aftermath<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Operation Cactus with zero casualties to Indian Troops is considered as one of the most successful Tri Service military\u00a0 operations by the Armed Forces of India. With its successful and timely completion it marked the beginning of India- Maldives cooperation in defence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

There were various multifaceted outcomes of the operation<\/span><\/p>\r\n