A New India
Chapter 174 - 174: Development

Soon, foreign professors began arriving at India's top universities.

Dr. Edward Miller, a renowned physicist from the United States, joined IIT Kharagpur as the head of the Physics Department.

His first lecture was met with eager students, hungry for knowledge.

"You are the future of India's technology," Miller said to the packed lecture hall. "What we do here will shape not just this country but the entire world. The sky isn't the limit, it's only the beginning."

Professor Heinrich Richter, a German expert in materials science, arrived at IIT Madras.

In his inaugural lecture, he told the students, "I have traveled across the world, but I have never seen a country more eager to innovate than India. The possibilities here are endless."

With the influx of foreign professors, India's universities began collaborating with HAL and other defense companies to conduct joint research.

Students at IIT Bombay worked on projects that directly fed into HAL's aircraft development program.

The next generation of Indian engineers was learning not only from their own professors but from some of the brightest minds in the world.

Back at HAL, the collaboration between Indian engineers and foreign experts was in full swing.

Kurt Tank, Hans Müller, and John Harrison worked alongside R.K. Menon and his team, tackling the challenges of building India's first fighter jet.

One day, while reviewing the engine design with Müller, Menon asked, "Do you think we can get the propulsion system to work with the materials we have?"

Müller thought for a moment before responding. "It's going to be difficult, but I think we can make it work. We'll need to make some adjustments, but I have a few ideas."

As the weeks passed, the team at HAL grew more confident.

The foreign experts brought new perspectives and solutions to problems that had been stalling the project for months.

Together, the Indian and foreign engineers refined the designs, improved the propulsion systems, and worked out the kinks in the aircraft's electronics.

By the end of the first few months, India's defense and aviation industries were beginning to thrive.

The collaboration between Indian engineers and foreign experts had ignited a new era of innovation in the country.

Kurt Tank's vision was becoming a reality, and it wasn't just HAL that was benefitting, the entire defense sector was evolving.

In the factories of Tata Defence Systems, Indian engineers worked with German consultants to fine-tune the design of military vehicles.

Birla Defence Works began producing its first batch of artillery and ammunition, with input from experts who had worked on similar projects in Europe.

Kirloskar Military Technologies was busy developing armored vehicles, assisted by consultants from Sweden, who provided critical insights into vehicle durability and mobility.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which had entered the shipbuilding industry, was designing naval vessels with the help of engineers from France.

In Hyderabad, Bharat Forge was working closely with foreign advisors to produce artillery systems that would eventually be used by the Indian Army.

One afternoon, Prime Minister Rohan visited HAL's Bangalore facility to witness the progress firsthand.

He was accompanied by Sardar Patel, the Defense Minister, and Harish, the Finance Minister.

As they toured the factory, they saw Indian engineers working side by side with foreign experts, discussing blueprints, testing components, and refining the designs of what would become India's first fighter jet.

Rohan stopped near a testing area where Kurt Tank and Hans Müller were discussing the aircraft's engine with R.K. Menon.

The engineers didn't notice the Prime Minister approach at first, engrossed in their work. Rohan smiled as he watched them debate the finer details of engine efficiency.

"This is what I wanted," Rohan said quietly to Sardar Patel as they observed the collaboration. "India working hand in hand with the world, building something truly our own."

Sardar Patel nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We've come a long way in just a few months, Prime Minister. But the road ahead is still long. The private companies are making progress, but there will be challenges."

Rohan turned to face Patel. "Yes, there will be challenges. But we are no longer dependent on others to protect our sovereignty. We are laying the foundation for the future, our future."

As they continued their tour, Harish brought up a concern. "Prime Minister, the industrialists are pushing for more government backing. They're concerned about the resource constraints and the bureaucracy slowing things down. They need more financial support if we want them to meet their targets."

Rohan considered this for a moment. "We'll make the resources available. But I also want to make sure that the money is spent wisely. We can't afford delays or inefficiencies. I'll meet with the industrialists again next week to go over the budgets and ensure everything is on track."

The following week, Rohan invited the heads of Tata, Birla, Kirloskar, L&T, Bharat Forge, and other defense companies to a meeting in Delhi.

The Prime Minister sat at the head of the table, flanked by Sardar Patel and Harish.

"Gentlemen," Rohan began, "I want to congratulate you on the progress you've made so far. We're seeing real results, and India's defense sector is starting to take shape. But there's still a long way to go."

J.R.D. Tata, always direct, spoke up first. "Prime Minister, we appreciate the government's support, but we need more resources. We're facing shortages of materials, and the bureaucratic processes are slowing down production. If we're to meet the targets set by the defense ministry, we need quicker access to raw materials and financial backing."

Rohan nodded. "I understand, Tata. We're working on streamlining the bureaucratic processes. Patel and I have already discussed cutting through red tape to make things move faster. As for resources, we'll allocate more funds to support your production. But I also need assurances from all of you that the timelines will be met."

G.D. Birla, always the businessman, chimed in. "Prime Minister, we're committed to meeting the timelines. But with the pace we're moving at, we'll also need more manpower. We've been training new workers, but we could use more support from the government in terms of technical training."

Rohan smiled. "I've already spoken to the heads of IITs and other engineering colleges. We're working on programs that will send engineering graduates to your factories for hands-on training. You'll have the skilled labor you need, and they'll gain practical experience in the defense sector."

The industrialists nodded in agreement, pleased with the Prime Minister's proactive approach.

As the meeting continued, discussions about specific targets and deliverables were laid out.

The government would provide the necessary resources, and the industrialists would ensure that production stayed on schedule.