Mentor’s Comment:  Eighty years ago, on May 8, 1945, the Second World War officially ended in Europe when Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allied forces in Reims and Berlin. This day is celebrated as Victory in Europe (VE) Day, but in India, it often goes unnoticed, as the years of the war (1939-1945) are mainly remembered as the final phase of the struggle for independence. It is important to remember that Indians never ignored their duties to the world, whether in war or peace, as shown by the lives of two lesser-known Indians.

Today’s editorial examines the contributions of lesser-known Indian heroes like Kolachala Sitaramaiah and Idris Hasan Latif during World War II. This content will be useful for GS Paper I (World History) and GS Paper II (International Relations).

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Let’s learn!

Why in the News?

On May 9th, Victory in Europe Day is also a time to honor the brilliance of scientists like Kolachala Sitaramaiah and the courage of soldiers like Idris Hasan Latif during World War II.

What contributions did he make during the Second World War?

• Fuel Innovation for Soviet Tanks: He developed kerosene-based fuels and specialized lubricants that significantly enhanced the performance and maneuverability of Soviet tanks in sub-zero battlefield conditions. Eg: These innovations were critical during the Battle of Kursk (1943), where Soviet T-34 tanks outperformed Nazi Panzer and Tiger tanks.
• Scientific Expertise Redirected to War Effort: Although he volunteered for frontline combat, Soviet authorities recognized his intellectual value and redirected him to research, stating his brain was a weapon, not a target. Eg: His work helped overcome early mechanical failures in Soviet tanks, crucial to halting the Nazi ground offensive.
• Foundation for Future Scientific Fields: His wartime research laid the groundwork for chemmotology (tribochemistry) — the study of chemical changes from mechanical energy — and later contributed to plasma research important for nuclear fusion. Eg: His observations of incendiary weapons inspired deeper scientific inquiry into the fourth state of matter — plasma.

What were the challenges faced by Indian pilots like Idris Latif during their missions in the Second World War?

• Inferior Aircraft and Equipment: Indian pilots were initially assigned outdated biplanes, putting them at a disadvantage in combat situations. Eg: Idris Latif flew patrols along the North West Frontier in old aircraft while British pilots used advanced models.
• Dangerous Combat Environments: They flew missions in extremely hostile conditions, including thick jungles, poor visibility, and constant threat of enemy fire. Eg: In Burma, Idris flew the Hawker Hurricane against Japanese Zero fighters, often from muddy, short landing strips.
• Health Hazards and Illness: Pilots endured unhygienic, disease-prone environments, which led to severe illnesses. Eg: Idris Latif fell gravely ill in the humid, mosquito-infested jungles of Burma but refused to abandon his squadron.
• Lack of Recognition and Discrimination: Despite their service, Indian pilots often faced racial bias and were under-acknowledged by the colonial British authorities. Eg: Idris and others had to prove themselves repeatedly before being entrusted with frontline roles in Europe.
• Emotional and Moral Dilemmas: Indian soldiers and pilots had to reconcile serving a colonial power while also yearning for India’s independence. Eg: Despite these conflicts, Idris remained committed to fighting fascism and later chose to stay in independent India post-Partition.

How did he contribute to strengthening India-France defence relations?

• Role as India’s Ambassador to France (1985–1988): After retiring as Air Chief Marshal, he was appointed Ambassador to France, a key position for defence diplomacy. Eg: His presence in Paris helped facilitate high-level strategic discussions on defence cooperation.
• Leveraging Wartime Bonds: His personal connection to World War II and Normandy fostered shared respect and trust with French counterparts. Eg: He visited Normandy during his tenure, recalling his war contributions, which resonated deeply with French officials.
• Military-to-Military Cooperation: He actively promoted exchanges between Indian and French armed forces and encouraged joint training initiatives.
• Laying Groundwork for Future Defence Deals: His tenure helped build the foundation of trust that later enabled critical defence procurements. Eg: The Rafale fighter jet deal, though signed much later, benefited from the diplomatic groundwork laid during his ambassadorship.
• Promoting Indigenous Capability through Collaboration: He supported technology transfers and joint development possibilities with France. Eg: His diplomatic efforts aligned with India’s interest in acquiring not just equipment but also technical know-how.

Way forward: 

• Deepen Strategic Collaboration in Emerging Technologies: India and France should jointly invest in cutting-edge aerospace technologies such as AI-based combat systems, stealth UAVs, and hypersonic platforms to future-proof IAF capabilities.
• Expand Joint Training and Indo-French Defence Industrial Base: Encourage co-development and co-production of next-generation aircraft and defence systems under Make in India, while scaling up joint military exercises like Garuda for enhanced operational synergy.

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