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Why did Jawaharlal Nehru first try diplomacy before sending Indian troops into Goa?

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Jawaharlal Nehru, c. 1930s — Jawaharlal Nehru As India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru was in office for more than 16 years, making him the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Jawaharlal Nehru initially prioritized diplomacy regarding the Portuguese colony of Goa because he sought to resolve the issue through peaceful means, consistent with his broader foreign policy goals of anti-colonialism and his desire to position India as a global peacemaker. Following the peaceful withdrawal of the British and French from their Indian territories, Nehru hoped the Portuguese would follow suit.12

His diplomatic efforts included:
* Attempting to persuade the Portuguese government to cede the colony.13
* Appealing to Portugal's Western allies to exert pressure on the Portuguese government to relinquish control.1
* Permitting a nonviolent demonstration in 1955, where unarmed Indians marched into Portuguese territory.1

Nehru only authorized the use of Indian troops in December 1961 after these prolonged diplomatic efforts failed and he concluded that "India’s patience was exhausted". By this time, the Portuguese colonial presence was viewed as an anachronism, and Nehru’s decision to use force reflected the government's ultimate commitment to national interest and security over the policy of nonviolence.142