When India gained independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control, prompting a prolonged struggle for its liberation. The Indian government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, insisted on the transfer of Goa and other minor Portuguese holdings to India. Portugal’s refusal sparked a series of events that ultimately led to the liberation of Goa.
In February 1950, the Government of India initiated negotiations with the Portuguese government regarding the future of Portuguese colonies in India. Portugal maintained that its territory in the Indian subcontinent was not a colony but an integral part of metropolitan Portugal, making its transfer non-negotiable. The escalating tensions led to the withdrawal of the Indian diplomatic mission from Lisbon in June 1953.
The turning point came on November 24, 1961, when Portuguese ground troops fired upon the Sabarmati, a passenger boat traveling near the Portuguese-held island of Anjidiv. This aggressive action, fueled by Portuguese suspicions, resulted in injuries and a tragic loss of life.
As the crisis unfolded, Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar sought assistance from the US, UK, and other sympathetic countries. However, Western nations, including the UK, US, Canada, and others, criticized India’s actions, while India received staunch support from nations such as Russia, Yugoslavia, and Indonesia.
The international arena witnessed significant diplomatic maneuvering, with the United Nations becoming a key battleground. The US, UK, France, and Turkey proposed a resolution condemning the Indian invasion. However, Moscow’s veto thwarted the resolution, preventing a ceasefire and withdrawal mandate from being imposed on India.
Ultimately, the events surrounding the liberation of Goa served as a defining chapter in India’s history, showcasing the complexities of international relations and the diplomatic dynamics of the time.
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Creation of the Roman Catholic Church in Goa in 1557
