Opinions of Indian and Global Leaders on the Means of Liberating Portuguese Territories in India on the Historical Perspectives

India gained independence after a prolonged struggle against British on 15 August 1947. However, the presence of Portuguese and French in post-Indian independence disappointed many nationalists and further, they felt the liberation against the foreign rule in India was incomplete and that led to the series of movements in India and Portuguese territories. The developing events forced the Indian government under the leadership of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to rethink the possible way to liberate and finally he could achieve the task on 19 December 1961 and incorporated the territories into the Indian Union in 1962. Mr. Narayan said it was a great pity that India had to resort to force in Goa. But politically no alternative was open to it. “The Hindu, Madras edition said on December 20,1961, after the campaign was over", it would be presenting a deceptive picture to suggest that everyone is supremely happy over the Goa developments without any reservation. Many in high places did hold a different view on the desirability of using force. The fear is that by her action India might have endangered the high esteem in which she has been held all over the world. These leaders, however, realize that the criticism India must face is not so much about the taking over of Portuguese colonies but of doing it in a way which went against her professions and principles”. Thus the above opinions make it very clear even though Indians were successful in ousting Portuguese from India, Indian leaders though were very happy to see the liberated people of Portuguese territories in India, were slightly unhappy over the approach to achieve it.