The Portuguese, led by Afonso de Albuquerque, captured Goa from the Sultan of Bijapur in 1510. This marked the beginning of Portuguese colonial rule in India.
Goa quickly became the most significant Portuguese colony in Asia due to its strategic location and importance in the spice trade. Daman was conquered by the Portuguese in 1559, and Diu followed soon after. These territories, along with Goa, formed the core of Portuguese possessions in India.
These areas were collectively known as Estado da Índia Portuguesa (the Portuguese State of India), which also included other smaller enclaves at various times. Goa remained under Portuguese control from 1510 until its liberation in 1961, making it approximately 451 years.
Daman and Diu were under Portuguese control for a slightly shorter period, being added to the Portuguese territories in the mid-16th century.
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the Portuguese continued to hold on to their Indian territories, refusing to integrate them into the newly independent Indian state.
Diplomatic efforts by the Indian government to negotiate a peaceful transfer of power were unsuccessful, as Portugal under António de Oliveira Salazar insisted that these territories were integral parts of Portugal.
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, decided to take military action to end Portuguese rule. On December 18, 1961, Operation Vijay was launched. The operation involved the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and within 36 hours, the Portuguese forces were defeated.
On December 19, 1961, Goa, Daman, and Diu were officially liberated from Portuguese rule. The liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu marked the end of European colonial rule in India, making India fully sovereign.
This event was significant not only for the territorial integration of India but also as a symbol of the end of colonialism in Asia. After the liberation, Goa, Daman, and Diu were initially declared as Union Territories.
Goa was later granted statehood in 1987, becoming the 25th state of India. Daman and Diu remained Union Territories until they were merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 2020 to form the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Approximately 450 years from 1510 to 1961. Achieved through Operation Vijay in December 1961. Marked the end of European colonialism in India and reinforced India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
