This law only applies to wars happening inside India.

The law applies to waging war against a friendly Asian government, regardless of where the acts of war occur.

This section is about wars against India itself.

This section is different from sections dealing with waging war against the Government of India (like Section 121); it specifically covers wars against other Asian powers allied with or at peace with India.

Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 125

repealed

Waging war against any Asiatic Power in alliance with the Government of India

Whoever wages war against the Government of any Asiatic Power in alliance or at peace with the Government of India or attempts to wage such war, or abets the waging of such war, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, to which fine may be added, or with fine.§

Why this exists

This provision comes from the colonial era, when British India had diplomatic and strategic relationships with neighboring Asian kingdoms and states. The law aimed to protect these alliances and peaceful relations by criminalizing acts that could drag India into unwanted conflicts or destabilize its foreign relationships. It reflects 19th-century concerns about maintaining regional stability and honoring diplomatic commitments during the British colonial administration.

Common misconceptions

Myth: This law only applies to wars happening inside India.
Fact: The law applies to waging war against a friendly Asian government, regardless of where the acts of war occur.
Myth: This section is about wars against India itself.
Fact: This section is different from sections dealing with waging war against the Government of India (like Section 121); it specifically covers wars against other Asian powers allied with or at peace with India.