Indian National Army

What is the Indian National Army?

The Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, was a military force formed during World War II to liberate India from British rule through armed struggle. The INA was first organised on 17 February 1942 in Singapore by Captain Mohan Singh from among Indian prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Japan after the Fall of Singapore. This first INA was disbanded in December 1942 due to disagreements with the Japanese military.

The INA was revived and reorganised in July 1943 under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose, who arrived in Singapore on 2 July 1943. Rash Behari Bose formally handed over the organisation to Subhas Bose. At its peak, the INA had around 40,000–45,000 troops. It included the Rani of Jhansi Regiment — the first women's regiment in Indian military history. The INA fought alongside Japanese forces in the Imphal and Kohima campaigns (1944) to enter India, but was defeated by the British. After the war, the INA Trials (Red Fort Trials, 1945) of officers Shah Nawaz Khan, P.K. Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon galvanised Indian public opinion and contributed to the British decision to leave India.

Key Features / Provisions

Historical Background

• 1941 — Subhas Chandra Bose escaped from house arrest in Calcutta; reached Germany via Kabul and Moscow
• 15 February 1942 — Fall of Singapore — ~45,000 Indian POWs captured by Japan
• 17 February 1942 — Indian POWs assembled at Farrer Park, Singapore; Captain Mohan Singh formed the first INA
• December 1942 — First INA disbanded after disagreements with Japanese High Command
• February 1943 — Bose left Germany for Japan via submarine (U-boat)
• 2 July 1943 — Bose arrived in Singapore; Rash Behari Bose handed over control of the Indian Independence League
• July 1943 — Bose reorganised the INA; ~40,000–45,000 troops
• 21 October 1943 — Provisional Government of Azad Hind declared in Singapore
• January–July 1944 — INA participated in the Imphal-Kohima campaigns; initial advances but ultimately defeated
• August 1945 — Japan surrendered; INA collapsed; Bose reportedly died in a plane crash (18 August 1945)
• November 1945 — INA Trials (Red Fort Trials) — triggered nationwide protests; RIN Mutiny (February 1946) followed
• 1946 — INA officers acquitted after massive public pressure; demonstrated that British could no longer rely on Indian military loyalty
• Legacy — INA Trials are considered a key factor in the British decision to quit India in 1947

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

• First INA: Captain Mohan Singh, 17 February 1942, Singapore
• Revived by: Subhas Chandra Bose (July 1943)
• Rani of Jhansi Regiment: Women's regiment led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal
• Key battles: Imphal and Kohima (1944)
• INA Trials: Red Fort, 1945 — triggered mass protests across India
• War cry: "Jai Hind" (coined by Bose) and "Chalo Dilli" (Onward to Delhi)

Mains: Probable Themes

1. "The INA's contribution to Indian independence was more political than military." — Analyse the impact of the INA Trials on British withdrawal
2. "Examine the role of Subhas Chandra Bose in building the Indian National Army." — Leadership, strategy, and ideology
3. "Compare the methods of Subhas Chandra Bose with those of Mahatma Gandhi." — Armed struggle vs non-violence

Sources: Wikipedia — Indian National Army | Wikipedia — INA in Singapore | BYJU'S | Testbook