Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany and Japan: Netaji’s Global Campaign for India’s Independence
During World War II, Bose carried out a daring global mission that took him from Germany to Japan, building diplomatic alliances and raising armies to challenge British rule. His time abroad transformed India’s freedom struggle into an international movement — one that captured the world’s attention and inspired millions to dream of complete independence.
From founding the Free India Centre and Indian Legion in Germany to leading the Indian National Army (INA) and the Azad Hind Government in Japan, Bose’s journey reflected unmatched courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering patriotism.
Early Life and Rise of Subhas Chandra Bose
Before setting out on his global mission, Bose had already earned a reputation as one of India’s most dynamic nationalist leaders. A brilliant student, he passed the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam in England but resigned in protest against British domination.
He soon joined the Indian National Congress and quickly rose to prominence for his strong will, discipline, and dedication. Elected Congress President in 1938 and 1939, Bose called for immediate and complete independence — Purna Swaraj — instead of gradual reforms.
However, his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and other Congress leaders over the use of armed resistance led to his resignation. When World War II began in 1939, Bose saw a unique opportunity — Britain was vulnerable, and India could take advantage of that moment to strike for freedom.
With this vision, he secretly planned an escape from India to seek support from the Axis Powers — Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The Great Escape from India (1941)
Bose’s escape from British surveillance remains one of the boldest acts in Indian history.
In January 1941, while under house arrest in Calcutta, he disguised himself as a Muslim named Mohammad Ziauddin and fled India. Traveling secretly through Peshawar (Pakistan), Afghanistan, and Soviet Russia, he finally reached Berlin in April 1941 after an 8,000-kilometer journey.
His mission was clear — to secure international military and political support to liberate India from British control.
Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany (1941–1943)
1. The Berlin Mission
Upon arrival in Berlin, Bose received a warm welcome from German officials. He met Adolf Hitler and other Nazi leaders to discuss the possibility of supporting India’s freedom movement. Bose believed that if Germany could defeat Britain in Europe, it could help free India from colonial rule.
2. Establishment of the Free India Centre
In 1941, with Germany’s approval, Bose founded the Free India Centre (Azad Hind Centre) in Berlin.
The centre served as a diplomatic and propaganda hub for India’s independence movement. Its major activities included:
-
Broadcasting freedom messages through “Azad Hind Radio” in several languages — Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Urdu, and English.
-
Publishing newspapers and pamphlets promoting Indian nationalism.
-
Building connections with the Indian diaspora in Europe.
It was through these broadcasts that Bose popularized the famous slogan “Jai Hind”, which later became India’s national salutation.
3. Formation of the Indian Legion (Indische Legion)
In 1942, Bose formed the Indian Legion (Indische Legion) with German support.
This force comprised around 3,000 Indian soldiers who had been captured by German forces in North Africa while serving in the British Indian Army.
The legion members wore German uniforms with the “Azad Hind” badge and trained to fight for India’s freedom. Bose planned that once Germany advanced into Asia, these soldiers would march into India as liberators.
However, as Germany’s military situation worsened after 1942, Bose realized Europe would no longer be the stage for India’s liberation.
4. Meeting with Hitler
Bose met Adolf Hitler on May 27, 1942, at Hitler’s headquarters, the Wolf’s Lair. Although Hitler admired Bose’s determination, he was reluctant to directly support an invasion of India, as Germany’s focus remained on Europe.
Recognizing this limitation, Bose turned his attention toward Japan, Germany’s ally in Asia — a nation already winning victories in Southeast Asia and holding many Indian prisoners of war.
The Historic Submarine Journey (1943)
In one of the most daring episodes of the war, Bose left Germany in February 1943 aboard a German submarine (U-180).
After a perilous three-month voyage across the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, he transferred mid-sea near Madagascar to a Japanese submarine (I-29). This mid-ocean transfer was an unprecedented wartime maneuver.
He finally arrived in Tokyo, Japan, on June 16, 1943, marking the start of a new phase in his struggle for India’s independence.
Subhas Chandra Bose in Japan and Southeast Asia (1943–1945)
1. Alliance with Japan
In Tokyo, Bose was warmly received by Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, who assured him of Japan’s support for India’s liberation. Japan’s victories in Southeast Asia gave Bose hope of using this alliance to strike against British rule.
2. Formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Government)
On October 21, 1943, Bose proclaimed the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) in Singapore.
He served as its Head of State, Prime Minister, and War Minister. The government had its own flag, currency, court system, and army, and was recognized by Japan, Germany, Italy, Burma, and other Axis-aligned nations.
The Azad Hind Government declared war on Britain and the United States, marking the first formal international assertion of India’s independence.
3. Revival of the Indian National Army (INA)
The Indian National Army (INA), originally formed by Captain Mohan Singh, was revived and reorganized by Bose into a powerful military force of nearly 45,000 soldiers.
Key highlights under Bose’s leadership:
-
Formation of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, the first all-women combat unit in Asia.
-
The INA’s motto: “Ittehad, Itmad aur Qurbani” (Unity, Faith, and Sacrifice).
-
The war cry “Jai Hind!” became a symbol of unity and courage.
4. The Burma and India Campaigns
In 1944, the INA, alongside Japanese troops, advanced into Burma (Myanmar) and Northeast India to free Indian territory from British rule.
The Imphal and Kohima battles were intense and historic. Despite early successes, the INA suffered heavy losses due to monsoon rains, lack of supplies, and strong British counterattacks.
Although the campaign failed militarily, it became a symbol of national pride and sacrifice that deeply influenced post-war India.
Bose’s Final Days and the Mystery of His Death
After Japan’s surrender in August 1945, Bose planned to reach the Soviet Union for further support. However, on August 18, 1945, his plane reportedly crashed near Taihoku (now Taipei, Taiwan), leading to his death from severe burns.
Yet, the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear. Many Indians believe that Netaji survived and lived in secrecy. The mystery surrounding his disappearance continues to intrigue historians and the public alike.
Legacy and Impact
Although Subhas Chandra Bose’s military campaign did not succeed in freeing India, its psychological and political impact was immense:
-
The INA trials (1945–46) at the Red Fort sparked nationwide protests and united Indians across political divisions.
-
The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) and other uprisings were directly inspired by Bose’s courage and the INA’s sacrifices.
-
His global diplomacy brought international attention to India’s independence movement.
Netaji’s immortal words — “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” — and slogans like “Jai Hind” and “Dilli Chalo” continue to echo in India’s national spirit.
Conclusion
Subhas Chandra Bose’s journey from Berlin to Tokyo, from the Free India Centre to the Azad Hind Government, was not just a military expedition — it was a global campaign for India’s liberation.
Through his fearless leadership, diplomatic brilliance, and deep patriotism, Bose gave the independence struggle a worldwide dimension. He proved that India’s fight for freedom could cross oceans, cultures, and ideologies.
Today, Netaji is remembered not only as a freedom fighter but as a symbol of courage, unity, and determination. His legacy reminds every Indian that true independence is achieved through sacrifice, vision, and unwavering love for the motherland.
