The concept of Indian defence forces has traditionally been one of territorial protection. However, recent years have witnessed a significant shift. Today, India’s military presence extends far beyond its borders, engaging in a variety of operations that contribute to global security and stability. This expanding role reflects India’s growing economic & geopolitical clout and its commitment to a stable and secure international order. This article explores the multifaceted role played by the Indian defence forces, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to strategic partnerships and peacekeeping missions.
5 Major Operations that left an impactful mark on the Global Community…
Operation Cactus (1988):
In November 1988, the idyllic island nation of Maldives faced a crisis. A group of Maldivian dissidents, led by businessman Abdullah Luthufi, attempted a coup d’état with the backing of Sri Lankan Tamil militants from the People’s Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE). The insurgents captured key locations in the capital, Malé, threatening the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Demonstrating close ties and a commitment to regional security, the Indian government under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi launched Operation Cactus. This swift military operation aimed to quell the coup attempt and restore stability to the Maldives.
Operation Cactus unfolded with remarkable speed and precision. Within hours of receiving the Maldivian President’s request, Indian Air Force transport aircraft deployed paratroopers from the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade along with elements of the 6th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment and the 17th Parachute Field Regiment. These forces, led by Brigadier Farukh Bulsara, made a non-stop journey of over 2,000 kilometres to land at Malé International Airport. The Indian paratroopers swiftly secured the airport and key infrastructure.
Facing minimal resistance, they effectively neutralized the coup attempt within 16 hours. President Gayoom, who had been moved to safety beforehand, was successfully reinstated. The operation was a resounding success, with minimal casualties on either side.
The operation also marked a turning point in India-Maldives relations. Operation Cactus fostered a strong sense of partnership and goodwill between the two nations. India emerged as a reliable security partner, and the Maldives benefitted from continued Indian military assistance and training programs.
Operation Safe Homecoming (Kuwait Airlift 1990):
In August 1990, the world watched in shock as Iraq invaded Kuwait. Caught in the crossfire were hundreds of thousands of Indian citizens working in Kuwait. Facing a humanitarian crisis, the Indian government launched a massive evacuation effort – Operation Safe Homecoming, also known as the Kuwait Airlift.
With Iraqi forces occupying Kuwait, traditional land evacuation routes were impossible. Operation Safe Homecoming relied entirely on air and sea operations. In a remarkable display of logistical prowess, the Indian Air Force and Air India pressed civilian and military aircraft into service.
Over 2 months, they conducted a staggering number of flights, ferrying over 1,70,000 Indian citizens, as well as nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, to safety in India.
Operation Safe Homecoming was not without its challenges. Negotiating landing rights with neighbouring countries, navigating volatile airspace, and managing the sheer number of evacuees presented logistical hurdles. However, Indian diplomats and military personnel worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles.
Operation Safe Homecoming showcased India’s growing capabilities on the world stage. The scale and efficiency of the airlift garnered international praise. It demonstrated India’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens abroad and its willingness to play a humanitarian role in global affairs. This act of goodwill strengthened India’s diplomatic ties with many countries and established its reputation as a responsible regional power.
Indian Army in Congo Conflict (2003-2005):
The Second Congo War (1998-2003) was a brutal and complex conflict that ravaged the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In the aftermath of the war, a fragile peace agreement left the vast nation struggling to rebuild. As part of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), the Indian Army played a crucial role in stabilizing the region during this critical period (2003-2005).
The Indian Army’s contribution to MONUC was significant. Over 5,000 Indian troops, including infantry battalions, engineers, and medical personnel, were deployed in the DRC. They were stationed in some of the most volatile regions, facing challenges that ranged from patrolling conflict zones and securing key infrastructure to providing humanitarian assistance and facilitating the return of refugees.
The Indian Army faced a complex security situation with numerous armed groups still active. Infrastructure was poor, and the vast distances within the DRC posed logistical hurdles. Despite these challenges, the Indian Army displayed remarkable resilience and professionalism. Tragically, several Indian soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty, a testament to their commitment to peace.
Beyond military muscle, the Indian Army also focused on fostering goodwill with the local population. They undertook medical camps, provided clean water and sanitation facilities, and helped rebuild schools and damaged infrastructure. These efforts played a crucial role in winning the trust of the Congolese people and creating a more conducive environment for peacebuilding.
The Indian Army’s role in the Congo Conflict marked a significant step forward in India’s engagement with Africa. The success of the mission not only contributed to stabilizing the DRC but also laid the groundwork for deeper political and economic ties between India and African nations.
Operation Suraksha (2008-Present):
Since 2008, the Indian Navy has been diligently safeguarding the vast maritime expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through a continuous mission known as Operation Suraksha, which translates to “protection” in Hindi. This ongoing operation reflects India’s commitment to maritime security and its evolving role as a regional power.
Operation Suraksha has a multi-pronged approach. The primary objective is to deter piracy and armed robbery at sea, ensuring the safety of commercial shipping lanes critical for global trade. The Indian Navy patrols vital choke points and conducts surveillance missions to detect and prevent any suspicious activity. Additionally, Operation Suraksha focuses on:
- Combating terrorism and smuggling: The Indian Navy works to prevent the movement of illegal goods and weapons across the IOR.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) operations: The Navy is equipped to respond to emergencies at sea, rescuing distressed mariners and providing humanitarian aid.
- Maintaining regional stability: By ensuring a secure maritime environment, Operation Suraksha fosters peaceful trade and cooperation among nations in the IOR.
Furthermore, the success of the operation has led to:
- Enhanced regional cooperation: India has collaborated with other countries bordering the IOR on joint patrols and information sharing, strengthening regional maritime security architecture.
- Increased international recognition: India’s leadership role in Operation Suraksha has garnered international praise, solidifying its position as a net security provider in the IOR.
- Neutralizing the major threat of the Somalian Pirates: The Indian Navy’s swift and robust actions have ensured the successful suppression of the chaotic havoc that the Somalian Pirates created on the innocent voyagers.
The Indian Navy is continuously modernizing its fleet and enhancing its surveillance capabilities to ensure the continued safety and security of the IOR. Through this unwavering commitment, India is well-positioned to maintain its role as a leading maritime power in the region.
Operation Sukoon (Yemen Evacuation 2015):
In 2015, Yemen descended into a brutal civil war, leaving its citizens caught in the crossfire. As the conflict intensified, the Indian government launched Operation Sukoon (meaning “peace” in Hindi) – a crucial evacuation mission to bring its citizens and other foreign nationals home safely.
The escalating violence in Yemen posed a grave threat to the estimated 4,000 Indian nationals residing there, along with many foreign citizens. Recognizing the urgency, India initiated a multi-pronged evacuation strategy.
- Naval Evacuation: Indian Navy ships docked at the Yemeni port of Aden, embarking Indian citizens and others seeking refuge. This sea route proved crucial as fighting hampered air travel.
- Air Evacuation: Working with Yemeni authorities, India secured limited airlift windows to evacuate citizens from the capital, Sana’a.
While the primary focus was on Indian citizens, Operation Sukoon extended a helping hand to others in need. The Indian government facilitated the evacuation of nationals from over 40 countries, demonstrating India’s commitment to international cooperation during times of crisis.
Operation Sukoon concluded successfully, evacuating over 4,600 Indian citizens and nearly 1,000 foreign nationals. This operation showcased India’s growing military capabilities and its ability to undertake complex missions beyond its borders. However, the evacuation also highlighted the limitations of relying solely on commercial ports and limited air windows. The experience underscored the need for India to further develop its long-range military transport capabilities.
However, Operation Sukoon did mark a significant moment in India’s foreign policy. It solidified India’s image as a responsible power willing to assist its citizens and others in distress. The success of the mission bolstered India’s reputation as a regional leader and a reliable partner on the world stage.