Coup Attempt
The coup attempt in November 1988 marked a significant concerning shift in the political landscape of the Maldives under President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Previous coup attempts in 1980 and 1983 had been deemed relatively unserious and were successfully quashed without major international ramifications. However, the audacious nature of the 1988 coup attempt, which involved around 80 armed mercenaries from the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE), captured global attention and raised fears of destabilizing turmoil in the region. These mercenaries landed on the capital island of Malé in the early hours, having hijacked a Sri Lankan freighter to reach the shores and proceeded to infiltrate the city disguised as tourists.
Once on the island, the mercenaries swiftly took control of critical infrastructures including major government buildings, the main airport, the port, and the local television and radio stations. Their objective was clear: to advance towards the Presidential Palace where President Gayoom was residing with his family. In a stroke of luck, the President was advised by his National Security Advisor to evacuate from the Palace just in time. He was taken to a safe location, leaving the mercenaries to seize the Palace and take the Maldivian Education Minister hostage, which intensified the urgency of the situation.
With the government in disarray, President Gayoom reached out to several nations for military assistance. Initially, he sought help from Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but both countries cited their military limitations and declined to intervene. An appeal to Singapore met with a similar response. The urgency of the situation escalated when Gayoom contacted the United States, but they informed him that U.S. forces could not arrive for 2 to 3 days, given their distance in Diego Garcia, nearly 1,000 km away. In a remarkable turn of events, upon advice from the U.K. government, President Gayoom turned to India for support. The Indian government promptly responded, demonstrating a strong commitment to regional security.
India's quick response to the Maldives' request underscored the strategic importance of the Maldives in South Asian geopolitics. Within a mere 16 hours after the SOS signal was sent, India mobilized its forces and readied itself to launch an operation aimed at restoring stability. This swift action was not only a testament to India's capabilities but also showcased a deeper understanding of the potential implications that the coup could have on regional peace, given the turbulent history of political unrest in the Indian Ocean territory and the increasing influence of militant groups. Ultimately, this intervention marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between India and the Maldives, leading to a long-standing partnership that continues to shape the political dynamics in the region.
Background to Operation Cactus
The political climate in the Maldives during the late 1980s was marked by instability and an increasing threat from various armed factions, including mercenaries seeking to undermine the then-government led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. On November 3, 1988, an alarming coup attempt unfolded in the Maldives, prompting urgent appeals for assistance. India's intervention was seen not just as an act of regional solidarity but as a necessary move to maintain geopolitical stability in the Indian Ocean. Rejaul Karim Laskar, associated with the Indian National Congress, articulated the imperative nature of this intervention, emphasizing that failure to act could invite external powers to establish military footholds in the Maldives, which would pose a significant threat to India’s national security.
Execution of Operation Cactus
Operation Cactus commenced with a high-stakes airlift executed by the Indian Air Force. The operation utilized Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, which transported troops from the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade, under the command of Brigadier Farukh Bulsara. The forces were mobilized from the Agra Air Force Station, covering a distance of over 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) to reach Malé International Airport on Hulhule Island. Within a span of nine hours, Indian paratroopers were deployed, a feat that underscored India's military readiness and commitment to safeguarding its neighbors.
Once on the ground, the Indian paratroopers swiftly engaged in decisive actions to neutralize the insurgent threat. They secured the airport and moved quickly to the capital, Malé, utilizing commandeered boats to transport themselves across the water. Upon arrival, the paratroopers executed their mission with precision, successfully rescuing President Gayoom and restoring his government’s control over the capital in a matter of hours.
Outcomes of the Intervention
The operation led to the swift capture of most of the mercenaries involved in the coup attempt. Some fled toward Sri Lanka aboard a hijacked freighter, while others who were unable to escape were apprehended and handed over to the Maldivian authorities. The ensuing conflict claimed the lives of nineteen individuals, predominantly mercenaries, alongside two tragic casualties among the hostages. Following the coup, the Indian Navy frigates Godavari and Betwa played a critical role by intercepting the fleeing freighter off the coast of Sri Lanka, ultimately detaining the mercenaries involved in the plot.
India's successful intervention during Operation Cactus solidified its position as a regional power and demonstrated its capability to respond rapidly to crises within its sphere of influence. The operation not only prevented a potentially destabilizing foreign military presence in the Maldives but also reinforced the sanctity of the democratically elected government, contributing to the long-term stability of the region. This event marked a significant moment in India-Maldives relations, showcasing India's strategic interests in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean area, ultimately sustaining a diplomatic relationship that continues to evolve.
International Praise for India's Intervention
India's military intervention during the 1988 Maldives coup d'état received widespread international acclaim, particularly emphasizing the operation's role in stabilizing a critical region. U.S. President Ronald Reagan acknowledged India's decisive action, deeming it "a valuable contribution to regional stability." This commendation highlighted the significance of strengthening security in the Indian Ocean region, which was experiencing political turmoil and threats from extremist groups at the time.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also expressed her gratitude, reportedly stating, "Thank God for India: President Gayoom's government has been saved." This remark underscored the importance of India's involvement in safeguarding the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been a key ally in maintaining stability amidst growing unrest. The response from these Western leaders reflected a broader desire to prevent the spread of radicalism in South Asia.
Despite the positive reception from major world powers, India's intervention was not without its controversies and concerns. Neighbors in South Asia expressed apprehension over India’s assertive military presence in the region. Some viewed it as a manifestation of Indian hegemony, fearing that the action might set a precedent for future interventions under the banner of regional security. This skepticism highlighted the delicate balance of power in the subcontinent and the need for cooperative security arrangements rather than unilateral interventions.
Consequently, while India's military response to the coup bolstered President Gayoom's regime and garnered praise from Western leaders, it also prompted discussions about sovereignty, interventionism, and regional dynamics in South Asia. The complexities of these reactions illustrate the multifaceted nature of international relations, especially in a region marked by historical rivalries and alliances.
Aftermath
In July 1989, India took significant measures in the aftermath of the 1988 coup d'état by repatriating mercenaries who had been taken captive aboard the hijacked freighter. These individuals were sent back to the Maldives for trial, reflecting India's commitment to regional stability and support for the Maldivian government led by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Under pressure from India, the Maldivian government commuted the death sentences initially brought against the captured mercenaries, opting instead for life imprisonment. This decision not only showcased India's diplomatic influence but also highlighted the complexities of international relations in the Indian Ocean region during a time of political upheaval.
The coup d'état had been primarily orchestrated by Abdullah Luthufi, a once-prominent Maldivian businessman who was reportedly operating a farm in Sri Lanka at the time of the uprising. The conspiracy was tied to broader regional dynamics, including discontent among the Maldivian populace regarding President Gayoom's governance. In the political milieu that followed, former Maldivian President Ibrahim Nasir faced accusations of collusion with the coup participants. However, he consistently denied any involvement in the coup’s planning or execution. To mend relations and recognize Nasir's historical contribution to the Maldives’ independence from British colonial rule, President Gayoom issued a formal pardon in absentia for Nasir in July 1990, underscoring an effort toward national reconciliation.
The successful operation led by Indian forces to restore the Gayoom government had lasting implications for Indo-Maldivian relations. The episode marked a pivotal moment in bilateral ties, strengthening cooperation in various sectors such as security and defense. The close alignment during this crisis period paved the way for deeper strategic partnerships between India and the Maldives, with both countries recognizing the need for mutual support in the face of security threats from non-state actors. This incident illuminated the delicate balance of power within the Indian Ocean, emphasizing India's role as a regional stabilizer while also provoked discussions on sovereignty and intervention policies. As a result, the coup d'état and its aftermath not only reshaped Maldivian politics but also transformed the dynamics of international relations in the region.
Documentaries on Historical Events
One of the notable documentaries pertaining to the 1988 Maldives coup d'état is "Operation Cactus: How India Averted Maldives Crisis in 1988," which was released in 2018. This documentary is part of the "Battle Ops" series aired by Veer on the Discovery Channel. It recounts the significant events surrounding the attempted coup and the subsequent military intervention by India, showcasing how quick and decisive action prevented a potentially tragic outcome for the Maldives.
The coup attempt was orchestrated by a group of Maldivian rebels with the support of mercenaries who sought to overthrow President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. They aimed to establish a regime that would be more aligned with their interests, potentially threatening the sovereignty and stability of the Maldives. The situation escalated rapidly in November 1988, when the rebels seized control of key areas in the capital, Malé, and took numerous hostages, including tourists and local citizens.
India's intervention in the crisis was prompted by a formal request from President Gayoom, who feared that if the coup was successful, it could result in significant geopolitical ramifications not just for the Maldives but for the entire Indian Ocean region. The Indian government responded swiftly, deploying military forces in a well-coordinated operation called "Operation Cactus." This strategic move helped to thwart the insurgents and restore order within just a few days, showcasing India's commitment to regional stability.
The documentary elaborates on the complex dynamics of the coup and its implications for Maldives-India relations. It provides insights into the multinational efforts aimed at restoring peace and order in the region during a time of uncertainty. Moreover, it highlights the broader geopolitical context, revealing how the Maldives has often played a significant role in the strategic interests of larger powers in the Indian Ocean. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert commentary, the documentary serves as a valuable resource for understanding the critical event that not only shaped the political landscape of the Maldives but also influenced India's foreign policy in the region.