Indian Fighting Forces To Be Expanded

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1940, Page 5

Indian Fighting Forces To Be Expanded

SIMLA, May 25. The Government of India has announced that, as a result of new dangers, it is implementing plans for a large-scale expansion in the Indian fighting forces. An official communique says the Government of India has closely followed the events in Western Europe with anxiety and concern. The best way in which India car, contribute to the common cause is to increase her preparedness, so as to be able to protect herself to the utmost extent practicable. “This renders it essential,” the communique continues, “that immediate effect should be given to plans already worked out involving the raising and equipping of forces to India’s maximum capacity and capabilities. Mechanised Land Forces “The Indian territorial force and the Indian States’ forces will be utilised to the full, while personnel for further squadrons in the Indian Air Force will be raised and trained forthwith. “The new land forces will include mechanised troops, infantry, signallers, engineers and medical, motor and transport units. “India, in addition, will continue to expand her productive capacity to the maximum extent for war materials and manufactured products for use in India and overseas.”