INA not founded by Subhas Bose, he took up the reins only later
HISTORY
12 NOVEMBER 2025
- A new book claims that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose didn’t establish the Indian National Army (INA) and that it was initially set up by the Japanese Army intelligence and Indian nationalists outside India to fight a common enemy — the British.
- According to the book, ‘The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II’, authored by Gautam Hazarika, Netaji took over the INA only later and brought it wider recognition as a force against Britain.
- Major Fujiwara Iwaichi and Giani Pritam Singh agreed to form INA in Bangkok days before Japan attacked Pearl Harbour/Southeast Asia on December 7/8, 1941,” Mr. Hazarika said.
- According to the book, Captain Mohan Singh of the 14th Punjab Regiment in the British Indian Army became the first commander of the INA.
- When asked about the basis of his findings, Mr. Hazarika said the proof was in the archives and in the INA memoirs and histories.
- Mr. Hazarika said Netaji reached Singapore in July 1943.
- During the interregnum, Rash Behari Bose kept alive the INA, which was then handed over to Netaji, who took it to greater heights.
