India played a significant role in both World War I and World War II, although as a colony of the British Empire.
1. World War I (1914-1918):
– India contributed over a million soldiers to the British forces, and they fought in various theaters, including the Western Front, the Middle East, and Africa.
– The war had economic repercussions on India, leading to inflation and increased taxes to fund the British war effort.
– The experience of Indian soldiers and exposure to nationalist ideas during the war laid the groundwork for India’s struggle for independence.
2. World War II (1939-1945):
– India contributed significantly to the Allied war effort, with over 2.5 million Indians serving in the British Indian Army.
– The war further strained India’s resources, resulting in economic hardships, shortages, and famine in certain regions.
– The Quit India Movement in 1942, led by the Indian National Congress, demanded an end to British rule during the war, and this marked a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence.