Correct option is B
India offered comprehensive security cooperation to the Maldives, particularly after Operation Cactus in 1988. This operation was a military intervention by India to thwart an attempted coup in the Maldives by mercenaries led by a Maldivian businessman, Abdullah Luthufi, with assistance from Tamil rebels. India's swift and successful action reinstated the government of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, solidifying security and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Additional Information:
- Operation Cactus demonstrated India's capability and willingness to act as a security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
- After the operation, India and Maldives strengthened defense cooperation to address mutual security concerns, including maritime threats and terrorism.
- This partnership is part of India's "Neighborhood First" policy and its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
Other Options:
- Bhutan: While India shares close security and diplomatic relations with Bhutan, no specific operation like Cactus involved Bhutan.
- Nepal: India has strong ties with Nepal, but security cooperation in such a context was not linked to the 1988 event.
- Sri Lanka: India had engagements in Sri Lanka, notably during the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) period (1987–1990), but this was separate from Operation Cactus.
