The Independence of India and Pakistan
After 1945, just as Britain as a colonial power could not return to its territories in the Far East, nor was it possible in India for the Raj to govern as if nothing had happened. British policy towards India between 1945 and 1947 focused on how to leave with peace and honour, maintaining links with the empire for trade and defence. Lord Mountbatten became Viceroy of India in March 1947: his viceroyalty was different in character to its predecessors. From the outset, it was publicly known that it would mark the end of British power in the subcontinent.
