A New India
Chapter 172 - 172: Gathering of Heavyweight

By the end of the week, Delhi became the hub of activity as industrialists traveled to meet with the government.

Rohan had called them to South Block to discuss their plans and ensure that they were aligned with the government's vision.

The room was filled with some of India's most powerful figures: J.R.D. Tata, G.D. Birla, Shantanurao Kirloskar, Walchand Hirachand, Adi Godrej, Baba Kalyani, T.S. Srinivasan, and others.

Rohan, flanked by Sardar Patel, the Defense Minister, and Harish, the Finance Minister, welcomed them warmly.

"Gentlemen, I'm glad you're here," Rohan began. "You've all heard the government's call, and I'm pleased to see you responding so quickly."

He continued, "We're not just asking you to build businesses. We're asking you to help build the backbone of India's defense. You'll have our support, financial, logistical, and technical but we expect results."

J.R.D. Tata spoke up first. "Prime Minister, we're ready. Tata Advanced Systems is forming as we speak. We'll be focusing on military vehicles and communication systems. We have the resources, and we're committed to delivering."

Rohan nodded approvingly. "That's exactly the kind of commitment we need," he said, turning his attention to G.D. Birla, who sat confidently across the table.

Birla leaned forward slightly. "The Birla Group is in, Prime Minister. We're establishing Birla Defence Works, focusing on artillery and ammunition production. We've already begun the groundwork to set up factories. We know what's at stake, and we're ready to deliver."

Sardar Patel, who had been quietly observing the conversation, finally spoke. "India's military relies heavily on ground forces, and artillery will play a crucial role. Mr. Birla, the quicker we can produce the equipment, the more secure our borders will be. How soon do you think you can get your factories operational?"

Birla didn't hesitate. "Six months, Defense Minister. The moment we have the initial capital from the government, we'll start. My engineers are already working on the designs."

Sardar Patel nodded, satisfied with the response. "Good. We need this done as soon as possible."

Next, Shantanurao Kirloskar spoke up. "Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Kirloskar Military Technologies is ready to play its part. Our specialty will be armored vehicles and heavy machinery for the military. We've always focused on innovation, and we'll apply that same dedication here."

Rohan turned his gaze to Kirloskar. "Shantanurao, we need those armored vehicles to be reliable, durable, and capable of navigating India's diverse terrain. Are you confident you'll be able to meet the challenges?"

Kirloskar's eyes gleamed with confidence. "We've been building industrial machinery for years, sir. Heavy-duty equipment is in our blood. This is a challenge, but it's one we're ready for. Our prototypes will be ready within the next year."

Walchand Hirachand, sitting quietly so far, chimed in. "The Walchand Group has already been involved in aviation, but we're expanding into missile systems and radar technology. We're calling it Walchand Defence Engineering. We understand the importance of advanced technology in modern warfare, and we'll make sure India isn't left behind."

Harish, the Finance Minister, shifted in his seat. "Missile systems and radar require immense technical expertise. How do you plan to gather the necessary manpower and resources to accomplish this?"

Walchand smiled slightly. "We've already begun talks with international experts and will bring in foreign consultants if needed. But the goal is to train Indian engineers and make sure we develop the capacity right here. With the government's help, we'll get there."

Rohan tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. "It's good to see that so many of you are ready to take on these critical tasks. This is a collective effort. The private sector, working alongside the government, can change the face of India's defense."

T.S. Srinivasan of the TVS Group spoke up next. "Prime Minister, TVS Defence Systems will be focusing on military transport vehicles. Whether it's getting supplies to the front lines or troops to the battlefield, mobility is key. We've already begun designing rugged transport vehicles capable of handling extreme conditions."

Rohan nodded, his approval clear. "Logistics is just as important as weaponry. Your vehicles will play a vital role in ensuring that our soldiers have what they need, when they need it."

As the discussions continued, it became clear that these industrialists were fully committed to building India's defense sector.

Baba Kalyani of Bharat Forge spoke passionately about developing artillery systems, while Adi Godrej of Godrej Aerospace outlined his plans for producing aircraft components.

Larsen & Toubro's A.M. Naik emphasized the importance of naval defense, discussing how L&T Defence would focus on shipbuilding and providing the Indian Navy with the vessels it needed to protect the country's shores.

As the meeting came to a close, Rohan stood, signaling for everyone's attention.

"I want to thank all of you for stepping up," he said, his voice strong but sincere. "The future of India's defense depends on the work that begins here, today. The government will do everything in its power to support you, but remember, this is a collective responsibility. We are building something that will last for generations.

Our children and grandchildren will look back at this moment and see that India's future was secured by its own people, not by outsiders."

Sardar Patel stood beside him. "We are asking for your best, and I know you will deliver. India has been dependent for too long. That time is over. The government will cut through red tape, provide land, capital, and any support necessary. What we need now is your vision and your commitment."

Harish added, "The finance ministry will make sure that the funding for these projects is streamlined. But rest assured, every rupee spent must be justified. We are not building for short-term gains; we are investing in the security of our nation."

As the industrialists began to leave the meeting, shaking hands and nodding at each other, there was a shared sense of purpose in the room.

India's private sector had answered the government's call, and now the real work would begin.

-----

Within days of the meeting, announcements were made. Tata Defence Systems, Birla Defence Works, Kirloskar Military Technologies, Walchand Defence Engineering, TVS Defence Systems, Bharat Forge Defence, Godrej Aerospace, and L&T Defence were officially established.

In Mumbai, J.R.D. Tata gathered his senior engineers and project managers to discuss immediate action plans.

"This isn't just about making products," Tata said firmly. "It's about building India's future. We need prototypes ready within the year. We'll collaborate with HAL for aviation components and make sure that the Indian Army gets the vehicles it needs."

In Kolkata, G.D. Birla walked through his factory, where machinery was being installed. He turned to his head of operations.

"Start with artillery and ammunition production immediately. We'll expand into more advanced weapons systems soon enough. But for now, let's get the basic needs met. India's soldiers are counting on us."

In Pune, the Kirloskar Group moved quickly to finalize designs for armored vehicles.

Shantanurao Kirloskar, overseeing the early plans, smiled at the sight of engineers and draftsmen working together.

"We're not just making machines, we're building something that will protect our people. We cannot fail."

In Hyderabad, Baba Kalyani was on the floor of his factory, overseeing the development of artillery systems.

His team was young but motivated.

"Precision," Kalyani said, watching as metal parts were forged. "Artillery isn't just about power, it's about accuracy. We need to be the best in the world. No compromise."

Across India, factories began to shift gears, retooling for the production of defense equipment.

Engineers worked late into the night, draftsmen refined their designs, and industrialists made sure their vision aligned with the government's objectives.

Rohan watched the progress closely, visiting sites, meeting with engineers, and ensuring that the work continued at a rapid pace.

The industrialists had answered the call, and now it was up to India's private sector and the government to deliver on the promise of self-reliance.

As the first trucks of raw materials rolled into factories and engineers began turning blueprints into reality, there was a shared sense of purpose.

India was no longer just building for today, it was building for tomorrow.

The foundations had been laid. India's defense industry had officially begun.