Operation Cactus: The Bold Military Mission That Defied All Odds

On 16th November 1988, the Maldives, a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean, was
on the brink of collapse. A group of Tamil mercenaries, with the support of a
Maldivian businessman, had seized control of the capital city of Male and were
holding the President and other officials hostage. The situation was dire, and the
international community was grappling with how to respond.

Enter India, the regional superpower with a reputation for decisive military
action. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, India launched a
daring military operation to rescue the hostages and restore democracy in the
Maldives. The mission, dubbed "Operation Cactus," would go down in history as one
of the most audacious military operations ever undertaken.

The operation began in the early hours of 17th November, when a squadron of Indian
Air Force transport planes carrying nearly 1,600 troops took off from the southern
Indian city of Bangalore. The planes flew low to avoid detection and landed at
Hulhule airport, just outside the Maldivian capital. The troops quickly secured the
airport and established a foothold on the island.

Meanwhile, a flotilla of Indian Navy warships, including a frigate, a destroyer,

and a troop carrier, was sailing towards Male. The ships were to provide fire
support to the troops on the ground and ensure the safety of the hostages.

The Indian troops encountered stiff resistance from the mercenaries, who had
barricaded themselves in the presidential palace and other key locations. The
fighting was intense, and casualties on both sides were reported.

But the Indian troops pressed on, and after several hours of fierce fighting, they
were able to overpower the mercenaries and rescue the hostages. The Maldivian
President was reinstated, and democracy was restored in the country.

Operation Cactus was a resounding success and a testament to the courage and skill
of the Indian Armed Forces. The mission showcased India's military prowess and
willingness to act decisively in the face of a crisis.

The operation also had broader geopolitical implications. It sent a clear message
to India's neighbors and the international community that India was willing and
able to take bold action to safeguard its interests and those of its allies.

Today, more than three decades later, Operation Cactus remains an iconic moment in
India's military history. It is a shining example of how a small but determined
force can achieve great things in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.