More superhuman-led uprisings against the British greatly aid the Japanese as they invade India. The British are forced back to the north and south, so that eventually they are reduced to guerrilla war from the southern jungles and the mountains of Nepal. In Afghanistan British forces co-operate and eventually merge with Soviet forces from over the border against the Nazis. Some Afghans also work with the British and Russians, though most revert to their traditional lifestyle. Most of India is in anarchy.
Millions die in religious and ethnic conflicts.
Eventually Japan holds much of the east of India, from Kakinada on the coast, up the Godavari river to Nagpur, then to Jabalpur, Allahbad, Varanasi and along the river Brahmaputra. Thousands of refugees flee south, although they are strafed by Japanese aircraft. Many sail from southern India, attempting to get to Australia or South Africa. The first Me-262 jet fighter flies. After initial tests it is put into production in parallel with the He-280.