Portugal’s Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, announced that the government will formally recognize military personnel who served in Portuguese India during its annexation by India, granting them long-denied veteran status.
Speaking in the town of Batalha during celebrations marking the Battle of La Lys and the Day of the Combatant, Melo said the move aims to correct what he described as a historic injustice dating back to 1961.
“We will promote the necessary legislative changes so that the surviving former combatants in India—unfortunately very few—can finally receive the veteran card that was always denied to them,” he stated.
According to the minister, Portuguese troops stationed in the former territories fought with “great courage” during the annexation by the India. Many were taken prisoner, and some lost their lives. Despite their service, they were never granted official recognition as veterans.
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Melo stressed that these soldiers should not be blamed for an outcome they could not control, citing the overwhelming imbalance of forces and the broader historical context at the time. He also recalled acts of bravery, including that of Oliveira e Carmo, who reportedly chose to dress in white before going into battle, fully aware of the likely outcome.
“Sixty-five years later, it is time to do justice to these men,” Melo said, acknowledging that most have already passed away, with only a small number of survivors remaining.
The minister framed the decision as a long-overdue recognition of sacrifice, adding that the measure represents “the first step toward ending a historical injustice.”
The ceremony, held near the Monastery of Batalha, was also attended by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, who is currently on an official visit to the region.
