A New India
Chapter 191 - 191: Sudden Change in Middle East

Rohan sat at his desk, going through the final details of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act he had been preparing to present in Parliament.

The country's financial system was about to undergo significant reform, and he was focused on getting every detail right.

The upcoming session would be critical. For the opposition is already very dissatisfied along with many of his party members with SEBI, because in this era India is not focused too much on that and even don't understand the importance of it.

But he with his knowledge has to push past his limits.

Soon the day went on and suddenly there was a soft knock on his door was unexpected but not unusual.

Manisha entered, a slight look of urgency in her eyes.

"Sir, KN Rao, Neeraj, and Atma are here to see you. They say it's urgent."

Rohan's mind immediately shifted. Rao never came without reason, especially with Neeraj who's main job as his secretary and advisor is to get information from them and brief him, and Atma, the IB Chief.

He motioned for them to come in.

The mood was always tense when the three of them entered together, but this time, there was something more.

An undercurrent of genuine concern.

Rao entered first, looking as composed as ever, but Rohan could sense something was off. Neeraj, stood by the door, while Atma fidgeted with a file in his hands.

Rohan gestured for them to sit.

"What's going on?" Rohan asked, leaning back in his chair, trying to keep the atmosphere calm.

Rao cleared his throat, his usual sharp demeanor slightly softer, indicating that this wasn't just another intelligence briefing.

"Sir, we've received some concerning information from our Middle East division. Something has shifted," Rao began. "Earlier today, it was confirmed that the United States has officially withdrawn its funding for the Aswan High Dam in Egypt."

Rohan blinked. He felt a chill run through his spine.

This isn't right, he thought.

This wasn't supposed to happen until 1956. He was familiar with the event, he knew it from his memories of the future.

He knew what came next: Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser would respond by nationalizing the Suez Canal, a move that would trigger a massive geopolitical crisis and eventually lead to military intervention by Britain, France, and Israel.

But how? How could it be happening now, in 1954, two years ahead of its expected time?

For a brief moment, Rohan's thoughts went crazy trying to reconcile this sudden change in history.

He had always known things might not unfold exactly as he remembered, but this was a significant shift.

Still, he couldn't reveal what he knew, not to Rao, not to anyone.

So he composed himself and nodded, letting Rao continue.

"This move by the US has caused immediate unrest in the region," Rao continued, unaware of the storm raging in Rohan's mind. "You know, sir, that the Aswan High Dam is not just a development project for Egypt. It's a symbol of their sovereignty, their future."

Atma chimed in, flipping through his file. "The US withdrawal of funding is a direct reaction to Egypt's increasingly close ties with the Soviet Union. Nasser's government had been negotiating with both the US and USSR for months, playing both sides to secure the best deal for Egypt's development. But it seems that Egypt's refusal to align fully with Western interests has finally pushed the Americans to cut ties."

Neeraj, who had been silent until now, added in his quiet, measured tone, "This could be the spark, sir. Egypt has been seeking independence not just from colonial powers but also from Western influence. Nasser wants to chart his own path, and if the US funding dries up, he'll have no choice but to look elsewhere and fast."

Rao nodded in agreement. "The Americans and the British had been vying for influence in Egypt for years. The Aswan Dam was supposed to be their foothold in the region. Now that they've backed out, the Soviets will likely step in."

Rohan listened carefully, though his mind was miles ahead.

He knew exactly what would follow. Nationalization of the Suez Canal, the ensuing crisis, the military conflict.

"You have to understand, sir," Rao said, shifting his posture, "this situation didn't develop overnight. It's been brewing for some time."

Rao began recounting the history that had led to this moment. "Back in 1952, Nasser and the Free Officers Movement overthrew King Farouk. It was a bloodless coup, but it was clear from the start that Nasser had bigger ambitions. He wanted Egypt to be the leader of the Arab world, free from British and French control, free from the dominance of the West. That's why the Suez Canal has always been a point of contention. It's a symbol of colonialism in Egypt, built by French and British interests but situated in Egyptian territory."

Rohan nodded, letting the historical context sink in even as he wrestled with his own knowledge of what was coming.

Rao continued, "For the last few years, Egypt has been trying to modernize its economy and its military. That's where the Aswan Dam comes in. It's more than just a dam, sir, it's a lifeline for Egypt's future. Nasser planned to use it to control the Nile's flooding, provide electricity for the country, and irrigate vast areas of desert for agriculture. It was supposed to be Egypt's ticket to becoming a modern state."

Rohan leaned forward, his hands steepled as he listened. "And now, with the funding cut, Nasser will be desperate."

"Exactly," Atma replied, flipping another page in his file. "He'll have to find another source of funds, and quickly. The Soviets are likely his next stop. But more importantly, sir, this will be seen as a humiliation for Egypt. The Americans pulling out at this stage? It's a slap in the face."

Neeraj added, "Nasser won't take it lying down. The Suez Canal is the most logical next step for him. If he can nationalize the canal, he'll have the revenue he needs to fund the dam himself. But that's where the trouble starts."

Rohan exhaled slowly, keeping his emotions in check.

He already knew that the British and French, both of whom had stakes in the Suez Canal, would see this as an act of aggression.

War would follow, and the entire Middle East would be destabilized.

It was a pivotal moment in global politics, and now it was happening two years ahead of schedule.

"What's the reaction so far?" Rohan asked, keeping his tone measured.

Rao glanced at Neeraj before responding. "As of now, it's mostly shock, sir. The British are furious. They still consider Egypt part of their sphere of influence, even though they technically ended their protectorate in 1922. The French are worried too, because they have major investments in the Suez Canal Company. And the Americans well, they seem to be washing their hands of the situation for now, but it's clear that they've chosen to step away from Egypt, likely because they're unwilling to compete with the Soviets for influence in the region."

Atma nodded, adding, "The Israelis are watching closely too. They know that a destabilized Egypt could lead to new opportunities and new dangers on their borders."

Rohan sat back in his chair, processing the information.

He needed to walk carefully.

India had to remain neutral in this growing conflict, but that didn't mean they couldn't play a role behind the scenes.

If he played his card right he can easily get access to Egyptian market as well as Arab world and influence in Middle East.

Yet that is a very risky move with consequences that India will have to think twice before doing.

But before that his mind was already working on how India might mediate or at least position itself as a peace broker when the time came.

A move without consequences and many benifits.

"Alright," Rohan finally said, his voice calm but resolute. "Let's keep a close eye on this. I want daily updates on the situation. Neeraj, increase our intelligence operations in the region. I want to know exactly what Nasser's next move will be, and I want to know it before the rest of the world does."

Neeraj nodded, his expression serious. "Consider it done, sir."

Rao looked at Rohan, his eyes slightly narrowed.

He could sense that Rohan was taking this more seriously than usual, but he couldn't quite place why. "Sir, is there anything else you want us to look into?"

Rohan shook his head. "No, Rao. You've done well. But be ready. This isn't over, not by a long shot."

As Rao, Neeraj, and Atma left the room, Rohan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing.

It's happening too soon.

But he still has time to make sure that out of this conflict India atleast benefits. Rohan looked around and started writing

Investment

Aswan High Dam

Possible Reaction from USSR and USA

Future Israel Arab Conflict

Influence in Arab World.

Looking at what he has written. Rohan went into deep thoughts.