‘Operation Cactus’ is the name given to Indian military intervention in

‘Operation Cactus’ was the code name for the Indian military intervention in the Maldives in November 1988 [3]. The operation was launched at the request of the Maldivian government, led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, to thwart a coup attempt [2]. The coup was orchestrated by Maldivian businessman Abdullah Luthufee, who was supported by approximately 80 armed mercenaries from the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), a Sri Lankan Tamil militant group [1]. Indian paratroopers and naval forces responded swiftly, securing the Malé International Airport and rescuing President Gayoom within hours of the appeal. The intervention was highly successful, restoring the sovereignty of the island nation and preventing the overthrow of the legitimate government [1]. This operation is often cited as a significant example of India's role as a regional security provider in the Indian Ocean [2].

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 732
2. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 733
3. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > GEOPOLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA > p. 60