The British government meanwhile send Indian troops to fight in West Asia and northern Africa against the Axis. India was also made into a nation to produce essential goods such as food and uniforms. Ores were mined to support the war much to the consternation of Indians. As a result of the food supplies being diverted to England, a mass famine occurred in Bengal, with 3 million people starving to death in 1943.
By 1942, neighbouring Burma was invaded by Japan. By then it had already captured the Indian Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This placed India with a hostile enemy at it gates. As a major possession of Britain, Japan looked to invade India and stub out the economy which has so far fuelled the Allies. Japan ceded the Andaman and Nicobar islands to the INA on October 21, 1943. In March1944, Japan made an invasion into India's eastern borders and moved as far as taking Kohima in Nagaland. Japan also bombed the cities of Vishakapatnam and Madras.
By 1945 the war had ended. Indians pressed the British for independence as they had earlier promised. On August 15, 1947, India was declared a free nation.
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