Why did India seek control of Goa after gaining independence in 1947?

Following India's independence in 1947, the new Republic of India sought to incorporate Goa and other Portuguese territories because it viewed the continued presence of a foreign colonial power as an anachronism. While the British and French had peacefully withdrawn from their Indian holdings, Portugal refused to cede its territories, leading India to pursue integration through diplomatic and, eventually, military means.12

India’s approach evolved over several years:
* Diplomacy and Persuasion: Initially, India attempted to persuade Portugal to relinquish its colonies.1
* Nonviolent Protest: In 1955, India permitted unarmed satyagrahis (nonviolent resisters) to enter Portuguese territory. The Portuguese response, which involved the use of force and resulted in casualties, led to the severance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.314
* Military Action: After years of failed negotiations and mounting tensions, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declared that India's patience was exhausted. On December 18, 1961, Indian forces invaded and occupied Goa, Daman, and Diu, effectively ending Portuguese rule in the region.234