Operation Cactus
Topic: India's External Relations, 1947-1999: Non-alignment, Wars and Nuclear Policy · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Operation Cactus was an Indian military operation in November 1988. India acted at the request of the Maldives government and foiled a coup attempt, which is an attempt to seize power by force, in the capital Malé. It showed that India was able and willing to help a small neighbour quickly when that neighbour asked for help. It is often cited as an example of India's role as the main security partner in its region.
Example
In 1988, when armed men tried to overthrow the government in Malé, the Maldives asked India for help. Indian forces stopped the coup.
Don't confuse with
- Indian Peace Keeping Force (1987-1990): the IPKF was a long and costly mission in Sri Lanka against the LTTE. Operation Cactus was a short, successful rescue of a government.
Related concepts
- India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty
- India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship
- Shastri-Sirimavo Pact
- Katchatheevu agreement
- Indo-Sri Lanka Accord
- Indian Peace Keeping Force
- Ganga Waters Treaty
- Indira Doctrine
- Gujral Doctrine