Question

How can you say that the INA was a unique army?

Answer 1

• It was formed and fought while organised entirely on foreign soil, hundreds of kilometres away from India.
• It depended on Axis partners (especially Japan) for weapons, transport and military equipment rather than being a self‑sufficient national army.
• It relied heavily on the Indian diaspora across East Asia for recruits, money, food and clothing rather than domestic mobilisation.
• Its greatest distinguishing feature was the patriotic spirit and willingness of volunteers (including a women’s unit, the Rani Jhansi Regiment) to sacrifice for India’s freedom.