How did India liberate Goa from the Portuguese rule, and who led the Indian forces? How the world reacted

December 19 marks a significant milestone in Goan history, as Goa gained independence from Portuguese rule and eventually integrated with India on this day in 1961 marking the end of 451 years of Portuguese rule. Though India was freed from British rule in 1947, Portugal did not grant Goa independence or allow it to join India.  Portugal contended that Goa was culturally and religiously different from the rest of India and that it was an integral part of Portugal rather than merely a colony.