Daily Current Affairs : 4-November-2023

In recent news, the Maldives’ president-elect has stirred controversy by expressing an ‘India Out’ stance. This declaration raises questions about the historical relationship between India and the Maldives, particularly the events of November 3, 1988, when Indian troops played a pivotal role in preventing a coup attempt in the island nation.

Background: Maldives at a Glance
  • The Maldives is situated to the south-west of the Indian mainland, comprising approximately 1,200 low-lying coral islands spread across 90,000 sq km in the Indian Ocean.
  • Malé, the capital of the Maldives, is slightly over 600 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Political Turmoil in Maldives: The Reign of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
  • Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, born in 1937, assumed the presidency of the Maldives in 1978 amid economic challenges and political instability.
  • Despite ruling for 30 years, Gayoom faced three attempted coups in the 1980s, led by dissatisfied Maldivians.
The Coup Attempt: India’s Swift Response
  • As the coup unfolded, distress signals were sent globally, reaching the Indian Army headquarters which had already been alerted about a potential operation.
  • The 50th Independent Parachute Brigade in Agra was activated, and two Ilyushin IL-76s, carrying Indian soldiers, swiftly landed in Hulhulé, the main airport of the Maldives.
  • Indian paratroopers secured the airport and proceeded to rescue Gayoom on the nearby island of Malé, preventing the coup from succeeding.
Indian Naval Intervention: Ensuring the Rebels’ Surrender
  • Some rebels had hijacked a merchant vessel in an attempt to escape. Indian frigates INS Betwa (from Kochi) and INS Godavari (returning from Australia) intercepted the vessel before it could enter Sri Lankan waters.
  • Realizing escape was impossible, the rebels surrendered and were apprehended aboard INS Godavari.
Important Points:
  • Maldives, located southwest of the Indian mainland, comprises 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean.
  • Malé, the capital, is over 600 km away from Thiruvananthapuram, India.
  • Maumoon Abdul Gayoom became president in 1978 amid economic and political challenges.
  • Gayoom faced three coup attempts in the 1980s due to dissatisfaction among Maldivians.
  • The attempted coup on November 3, 1988, was thwarted by Indian intervention.
  • Indian Army’s 50th Independent Parachute Brigade in Agra was activated.
  • Two Ilyushin IL-76s carrying Indian soldiers landed in Hulhulé, Maldives’ main airport.
  • Indian paratroopers secured the airport and rescued Gayoom from Malé, preventing the coup.
  • Indian naval frigates INS Betwa and INS Godavari intercepted rebels attempting to escape on a hijacked vessel.
  • Rebels surrendered and were apprehended aboard INS Godavari.
  • The intervention showcased the strong ties between India and Maldives, emphasizing regional stability and collaboration in times of crisis.
Why In News

As the Maldives’ president-elect doubles down on his ‘India Out’ stance, a look back at the events of November 3, 1988, when Indian troops intervened to thwart a coup attempt in the Maldives underscores the complex historical ties between the two nations. This pivotal moment not only highlights India’s commitment to regional stability but also serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship between the two countries, which has weathered various challenges over the years.

MCQs about Indian Intervention in the 1988 Maldives Coup

  1. What was the primary reason for the coup attempts in the Maldives in the 1980s?
    A. Economic instability
    B. Political unrest
    C. Cultural differences
    D. Natural disasters
    Correct Answer: B. Political unrest
    Explanation: The coup attempts in the 1980s were led by Maldivians disgruntled at President Gayoom’s rule, indicating political unrest as the primary reason.
  2. How did Indian paratroopers prevent the coup from succeeding?
    A. By securing the Maldives’ main airport
    B. By negotiating with the rebel leaders
    C. By launching airstrikes on rebel strongholds
    D. By initiating a blockade around Malé
    Correct Answer: A. By securing the Maldives’ main airport
    Explanation: Indian paratroopers secured Hulhulé, the Maldives’ main airport, and later rescued President Gayoom from Malé, preventing the coup attempt.
  3. Which Indian naval vessels intercepted the rebels attempting to escape on a hijacked vessel?
    A. INS Vikrant and INS Viraat
    B. INS Betwa and INS Godavari
    C. INS Rajput and INS Delhi
    D. INS Sindhurakshak and INS Chakra
    Correct Answer: B. INS Betwa and INS Godavari
    Explanation: Indian naval frigates INS Betwa and INS Godavari intercepted the rebels attempting to escape on a hijacked vessel before they could enter Sri Lankan waters.

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