Goa Liberation Day: How India’s tri-service operation liberated the state from 450-year Portuguese rule

The liberation of Goa marked Independent India's first military operation where all three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—fought together against the Portuguese to free the coastal state, along with Daman, Diu, and Anjidiv Islands. This swift 40-hour operation ended 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule in Goa.

The fight to liberate Goa from the clutches of Portuguese saw the three armed services along with local freedom fighters coming together. ‘What distinguishes Operation Vijay is that it was the first joint service military action where India despite being a third world country took unilateral action against an European nation,” Brigadier A S Cheema told TOI.

The navy launched a surveillance mission named Operation Chutney Naval HQ had instituted a surveillance and patrolling exercise – Operation Chutney. Two naval frigates, INS Betwa and INS Beas against the Portuguese after they opened fire on steamship Sabarmati and killed a fisherman near Anjidiv islands. Subsequently this led to a larger military action by the navy against the Portuguese garrison in Anjivdiv islands


The army on the other hand had started marching into Goa from North (Karwar), South (Sawantwadi) southwest Belgaum.

Four squadrons from the Indian airforce began bombing raids from December 16 with four Canberra aircraft flying over goa. On December 18 six Canberra bombers from squadron 35 in Pune escorted by four hunter jets from squadron 17 at Sambra launch a bombing raid at dabolim airstrip. IAF also played a useful role as its Canberra aircraft, twice bombed the Dabolim airfield whereas Hunters bombed Bambolim Wireless Station.

The raiding aircraft were loaded with 1,000 pound bombs NB Menon, the commanding officer of Squadron 35.

Canberra bombers dropped 63,000 pounds of explosives on the airfield the hunter jets by led by squadron leader Jayawant singh took out the wireless communication tower in Bambolim

Goa Liberation Day: PM Narendra Modi, Home minister Amit Shah and Goa CM Pramod Sawant extend their wishes

Every year 19 December is celebrated as Goa Liberation Day and marks the success of Operation Vijay which helped India liberate Goa from approximately 400 years of Portuguese rule.

On this occasion PM Modi extended his wishes on the day to commemorate the day and honour the people who laid down their lives for the independence of Goa

"Goa Liberation Day reminds us of a defining chapter in our national journey. We recall the indomitable spirit of those who refused to accept injustice and fought for freedom with courage and conviction. Their sacrifices continue to inspire us as we work towards the all-round progress of Goa," PM Modi wrote on X.

Goa CM hoisted the tricolour at multiple locations across Goa including his residence in Sanquelim and official residence in Altinho, Panjim, as part of Liberation Day celebrations.

The chief minister also attended the Goa Liberation Day event organised at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Dona Paula.

"On Goa Liberation Day, we remember those who fought for our freedom. Their vision gave Goa a new beginning. Today, we continue to build a State proud of its heritage, confident in its journey, and committed to progress for all. We honor our freedom fighters by shaping a Goa that reflects their dreams, strong, inclusive, and forward looking," the Chief Minister said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his wishes on the Goa Liberation day.

"Best wishes to the people of Goa on Goa Liberation Day. The present generation may not know that Indians had to obtain permission to visit Goa till 1961. Many great souls like Prabhakar Vaidya, Bala Raya Mapari, Nanaji Deshmukh Ji, and Jagannath Rao Joshi Ji stood against this and fought for the liberation of Goa. After great sacrifices made by our patriots, Goa became an integral part of India. With heartfelt gratitude, I bow to all the noble souls who endured immense pain for the freedom of Goa," he said.

The Governor of Portuguese India signed the Instrument of Surrender on 19 December 1961, Liberating Goa after 450 years of Portuguese rule in India.