Many measures were taken to address any developing threat through Iran or Afghanistan, including setting up an anti-parachute force capable of dealing with a sudden influx of enemy troops through an airborne invasion.
The British administration in India began to fear a German army invasion on the western borders as World War II progressed into its third year.
This led to the formation of an anti-parachute force, which was instructed by the Government of India from New Delhi to the Army authorities.
The national archives documents on the issue include a letter written on February 18, 1941, with the subject 'Defence of India- Anti-Parachute Columns', outlining detailed instructions regarding the formation of mobile anti-parachute columns of troops to be located at various centres throughout the Punjab and the North West Frontier Province.
The letter suggested that the anti-parachute columns should become acquainted with the areas they would have to cover and the civil officials with whom they would require to cooperate in the event of war operations.
It also addressed the issue of anti-parachute columns belonging to particular states versus the Indian Army's control.
