The Annexation of Goa in 1961 was a significant event in Indian history, where the Republic of India annexed the Portuguese Indian territories of Goa, Daman, and Diu. This action, known in India as the "Liberation of Goa" and in Portugal as the "Invasion of Goa," was the culmination of efforts by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to end Portuguese rule in these areas. Nehru initially hoped that a popular movement in Goa and international public opinion would lead to independence from Portuguese authority. However, when these efforts were ineffective, he decided to resort to military force.^[36]

The military operation, named Operation Vijay (meaning "Victory" in Sanskrit), was conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. It involved coordinated air, sea, and land strikes over a period of more than 36 hours. The operation was a decisive victory for India, ending 451 years of Portuguese rule over its exclaves in India. The conflict lasted two days, resulting in the deaths of twenty-two Indians and thirty Portuguese.^[37] The annexation received mixed reactions globally: it was seen as a liberation of historically Indian territory in India, while Portugal viewed it as an unwarranted aggression against its national soil and citizens.

Following the end of Portuguese rule, Goa was initially placed under military administration led by Kunhiraman Palat Candeth as lieutenant governor. On June 8, 1962, the military rule was replaced by a civilian government. The Lieutenant Governor established an informal Consultative Council comprising 29 nominated members to assist in the administration of the territory.