The Minister of Defence announced on Thursday, April 9, in Batalha, that the government will grant veteran status to those who served in Portuguese India at the time of its annexation, issuing them the card 'that was always denied to them' and 'correcting an injustice'. Nuno Melo stated that the necessary legislative changes will be made so that the few surviving veterans of the conflict in India can finally receive the status they were previously denied. The minister highlighted that this is the first step to ending an injustice that has persisted since 1961, noting that these soldiers fought with great courage despite facing impossible odds. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Republic, António José Seguro, who is currently conducting an open presidency in the region.