From Operation Vijay in 1961 to a separate Union Territory in 1987

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From Operation Vijay in 1961 to a separate Union Territory

Background

This sequence explains why the Union Territory that published its October 2026 gazette issues carries the names of three once-separate Portuguese possessions.
Portuguese rule over Diu lasted until 1961, when it ended under Operation Vijay after about 48 hours of land, sea and air strikes before the Portuguese garrison surrendered.
The Indian military occupied Diu on 19 December 1961, and it became part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.
Goa became a State on 30 May 1987, and Daman and Diu then became a separate Union Territory.
That Union Territory was in turn merged with Dadra and Nagar Haveli with effect from 26 January 2020 under Act No. 44 of 2019.

Diu occupied by the Indian military: 19 December 1961 Goa became a State: 30 May 1987 Merger with Dadra and Nagar Haveli: 26 January 2020

Why it matters for exams: The 1961 date, the 1987 reorganisation and the 2020 merger are three steps examiners like to place in order.

Kerala PSCUPSCSSC

16 October 2026 Source: U.T. Administration of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

In plain words

Operation Vijay Operation Vijay (1961) — The Indian military action of December 1961 that ended Portuguese rule in Goa, Daman and Diu.