The Interim Government of India was formed on September 2nd, 1946, to help the transition of India from British rule to independence.
In August 1946, the Congress decided to join the Interim Government in response to the call of the British Government to facilitate the process of transfer of power. The Interim Government was headed by the Viceroy, Lord Wavell. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Vice-President of the Council, with the powers of a Prime Minister.
Leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Jagjivan Ram, C. Rajagopalachari etc. also held prominent positions.
This government was entrusted with the mission of assisting the transition of India and Pakistan from British rule to independence as two separate nations. The Interim Government was in place till 15th August 1947, when the nations of India and Pakistan received independence from colonial rule.
Until August 15th 1947, India continued under the rule of the United Kingdom and the Interim Government set out to establish diplomatic relations with other countries, such as the United States of America.
For the time being, the Constituent Assembly, from which the Interim Government was created, had the challenging task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India.