Operation Flowers Are Blooming: How India Secretly Foiled Two Coup Attempts In Seychelles

Published 27 June 2026 · local

Operation Flowers Are Blooming: How India Secretly Foiled Two Coup Attempts In Seychelles Written By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 17:07 IST Known as Operation

Operation Flowers Are Blooming: How India Secretly Foiled Two Coup Attempts In Seychelles Written By, Last Updated: June 27, 2026, 17:07 IST Known as Operation Flowers Are Blooming, the covert mission in 1986 saw the Indian Navy help thwart two coup attempts against then Seychelles President France-Albert René. Rapid Read During the Cold War, Seychelles occupied a strategically important position in the western Indian Ocean, making it a focal point for global geopolitical competition. (Photo: ANI) Long before Seychelles became a key maritime security partner under India’s MAHASAGAR vision, New Delhi quietly carried out one of its most successful overseas security operations in the island nation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Seychelles from 27-29 June 2026 to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the country’s Day as the Guest of Honour, the decades-old mission has once again drawn attention for laying the foundations of India’s security role in the Indian Ocean. During the visit, PM Modi will also become the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Assembly of Seychelles. Known as Operation Flowers Are Blooming, the covert mission in 1986 saw the Indian Navy help thwart two coup attempts against then Seychelles President France-Albert René without firing a single shot. Details of the operation later emerged through historical records and research by maritime experts David Brewster and Commodore (Retd.) Ranjit Rai.

Also Read | PM Modi’s 2nd Seychelles Visit: Why Indian Ocean Nation Is Crucial To Delhi’s Strategy Against Beijing A Coup Plot And India’s Naval Response During the Cold War, Seychelles occupied a strategically important position in the western Indian Ocean, making it a focal point for global geopolitical competition. In June 1986, Indian intelligence reportedly received information about an alleged coup plot, codenamed Operation Distant Lash, led by Seychelles Defence Minister Ogilvy Berlouis. According to historical accounts, the conspiracy involved around 30 foreign mercenaries and nearly 350 Seychellois supporters. Following an appeal from President René, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi reportedly instructed Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R.H. Tahiliani to provide assistance to the Seychelles government. Coincidentally, the Indian Navy frigate INS Vindhyagiri was already scheduled to visit Port Victoria. Instead of departing after its planned port call, the frigate reportedly developed a deliberately staged engineering problem, allowing it to remain anchored in the harbour. Soon afterwards, a senior Indian naval officer arrived in Seychelles on a commercial flight to coordinate the mission, while an engineering team trained in combat operations remained on standby. For nearly two weeks, INS Vindhyagiri maintained a visible presence in Port Victoria, conducting helicopter sorties and naval exercises. According to Brewster and Rai, the Indian naval deployment alone was sufficient to deter the alleged coup plotters, who abandoned their plans without any military confrontation.