Why Did Subhash Chandra Bose Seek Support from Hitler for India's Independence?

Subhas Chandra Bose, a key figure in India's struggle for independence, sought support from Nazi Germany during World War II. His vision was not only to end British rule in India but also to establish a dictatorial regime that would last for at least 20 years. This article explores the motivations behind Bose's alliance with Hitler, the subsequent partnerships with Japan, and the ethical and strategic considerations of the time.

Subhash Chandra Bose's Aspiration for India’s Independence

Subhas Chandra Bose, often referred to as Netaji, had a clear and staunch goal for India’s independence. Unlike his contemporaries in the Indian National Congress, who advocated for non-violent resistance, Bose believed that India could achieve its freedom through a more confrontational approach. He was willing to exploit any perceived weakness in the opposing alliance of the Axis Powers, particularly Nazi Germany, to further India’s cause.

Direct Interaction with Adolf Hitler

Bose did not ask for Hitler's direct support to the extent that he asked for military assistance. Bose’s strategy involved leveraging the conflict against the British by forging alliances with the Axis Powers. Bose appealed to Hitler based on the premise that the enemy of their mutual enemy (Britain) could be a potential ally. However, Hitler was wary and did not immediately commit to an agreement. Ultimately, Bose had to rely on other entities, notably Japan, to execute his plans.

Shortly before meeting Bose, Rash Behari Bose, a prominent Indian revolutionary then in exile in Japan, facilitated Bose’s journey to Japan through a German submarine. After meeting with General Tojo, arrangements were made to establish the Indian National Army (INA), which would fight for India's independence.

Why Not to Confide in the Enemy of your Enemy

Bose's decision to seek support from Hitler was a miscalculation that rested on the flawed logic of forming an alliance based on mutual enmity towards a common enemy. This strategy, often summarized as “my enemy’s enemy is my friend,” can be risky and often fails to yield the desired results. Gandhi and other Congress leaders were more perceptive and aware of the inherent flaws in this logic. Bose eventually realized that he would not get the help he needed from Hitler and shifted his focus to Japan.

A Commitment Regardless of Flaws in Logic

Bose believed that the Second World War provided a strategic opportunity to push for India's independence. The Indian National Congress chose a path of conditional tacit support, hoping that after the war the British would leave India. However, Bose, driven by a more immediate and fervent desire for freedom, chose a more assertive and confrontational approach. This decision led him to seek material support, particularly weapons and forces, from the Axis Powers.

Bose's alliance with Japan was solidified after he met General Tojo. From an outsider's perspective, the Axis Powers and the Allied Powers were both involved in atrocities. The Nazis were responsible for the Holocaust, and the British Empire was responsible for widespread institutional and colonial violence. The choice between pragmatism (seeking help from the Axis) and idealism (non-violence) is a crucial one. A figure like Gandhi would opt for continued suffering over making a morally repugnant alliance. In contrast, Bose, despite his heterodoxy, believed that pragmatic actions were necessary to achieve his ends.

Conclusion and Reflection

The story of Subhash Chandra Bose's quest for support from the Axis Powers during World War II is a complex one, marked by both pragmatic alliances and ethical dilemmas. Bose's vision of India's freedom was ambitious, and his decision to seek help from Nazi Germany, even with its flaws, was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence. While the outcome of these alliances may have been mixed, Bose's legacy remains as a significant figure in Indian history, whose actions continue to be studied and debated.