Andaman and Nicobar Islands became part of India on 1 November 1956. Prior to that, the islands were a part of the British Indian Empire and were administered by the British government. After India gained independence from the British in 1947, the islands were initially administered by the Government of India as a part of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were formally merged with India on 1 November 1956, and became a Union Territory of India.