Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj): Role, Trials, and Public Response

Formation and Early History

The INA's origins trace to the Farrer Park Meeting in Singapore (February 1942), following Japan's lightning conquest of Malaya and Singapore. Captain Mohan Singh, an Indian Army officer who defected, formed the first INA from approximately 40,000 Indian PoWs with support from the Indian Independence League led by Rash Behari Bose. However, differences over Japanese intentions led Mohan Singh to disband the INA in late 1942.

In July 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose — who had escaped British custody, travelled to Nazi Germany, and then journeyed by submarine to Southeast Asia — arrived in Singapore and assumed command of the INA at the historic Farrer Park meeting. His charisma and determination revitalised the force.

Azad Hind Government and Reorganisation

On 21 October 1943, Bose proclaimed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore. It was recognised by Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Manchuria, Croatia, the Philippines, and Nanking China — nine governments in total. The government issued its own currency, stamps, and maintained a civil administration. Bose served as Head of State, Prime Minister, and War Minister simultaneously.

The INA was reorganised into three infantry brigades (Gandhi, Nehru, and Azad) and specialised units. Most notably, Bose established the Rani of Jhansi Regiment — an all-women combat unit commanded by Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (later Dr. Lakshmi Sehgal), a pioneering moment in the history of women in armed conflict.

Military Campaigns: Imphal-Kohima

In early 1944, the INA participated in the Japanese Operation U-Go — an invasion of British India through Assam and Manipur. The objective was to advance to Delhi and trigger a general uprising. The campaign began promisingly, with INA units among the first to set foot on Indian soil in Manipur. However, the Battle of Imphal-Kohima (March–July 1944) became one of the most decisive Allied victories of the Asia-Pacific theatre.

The British and Indian Army forces — aided by airlift capabilities and determined resistance — broke the siege of Kohima and Imphal. Monsoon rains, supply failures, and Japanese logistical collapse forced a catastrophic retreat. The INA suffered heavy casualties and demoralisation. By 1945, with Japan's surrender, the INA had effectively ceased to function as a military force.

The Red Fort Trials (1945–46)

The British decision to prosecute INA officers at the Red Fort in Delhi was a major strategic miscalculation. The British selected the first three defendants with care — Prem Kumar Sahgal (Hindu), Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (Sikh), and Shah Nawaz Khan (Muslim) — to represent the three largest religious communities of India.

The proceedings began on 5 November 1945. The INA Defence Committee — chaired by Bhulabhai Desai and including Jawaharlal Nehru — raised enormous public donations. All three were convicted but sentences were never executed due to mass public pressure.

Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946)

In February 1946, sailors aboard HMIS Talwar in Bombay began a protest which spread to 78 ships and 20 shore establishments. It signalled that Indian armed forces could no longer be relied upon.

Impact on Independence

Historians assess the INA's contribution through multiple lenses. Clement Attlee reportedly cited INA's erosion of Indian armed forces' loyalty as the most tital factor in the decision to leave India.

Important Concepts and Subtopics

Azad Hind Government

The Provisional Government of Free India asserted Indian sovereignty under international law. Bose used it to negotiate with Japan on more equal terms.

INA's Secular Character

Its three most famous soldiers were Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim. The Rani of Jhansi Regiment added gender equality to this inclusive vision.

Rani of Jhansi Regiment

The women's combat regiment commanded by Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal was unprecedented in the colonial world.

Judicial Nationalism

The INA trials demonstrated how legal proceedings could be transformed into political theatre by skilled advocates.

Current Relevance

• Government declassified Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose files in 2016-17

• Netaji's portrait installed in Parliament Central Hall

• INA's secular, inclusive model is cited in contemporary discussions of composite nationalism