A Colony Set Free by a War – India and the Second World War

... the country’s existence was not put in doubt, but the war itself led to the proclamation of India’s independence. It is the last aspect which attracts the Indian public most. In this respect there is especial interest in the actions of the Indian National Army, which fought on Japan’s side. In September 1939 India was declared a belligerent state by Great Britain. The British Indian Army underwent a major expansion and fought in South Asia and on other fronts. The threat of a Japanese ...