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Indian National Army

Indian history
Also known as: Azad Hind Fauj, INA

Quick Summary

The Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, was a military force formed in 1943 by Subhas Chandra Bose. Bose, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, sought alliances with Germany and Japan during World War II, believing they could help India expel the British. With Japanese support, he established a provisional independent Indian government and an army of about 40,000 troops in Southeast Asia.1

The INA, alongside Japanese forces, advanced into India, reaching Kohima and Imphal in 1944. However, they were ultimately defeated and forced to retreat. Despite this, the INA maintained its identity as a liberation army. The defeat of Japan in August 1945 marked the end of Bose's efforts, and he reportedly died in a plane crash while fleeing Southeast Asia.1

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