A New India
Chapter 192 - 192: Meeting with Egyptian Ambassador

2 days have passed since the USA withdrawal of funding from the High Dam project in Egypt and Rohan knew he has only few days before the situation in Middle East heads to war.

He has already laid out a set of plan but the only problem is unlike Nehru he didn't tool the path of forming Non Align Movement as early as 1947-48, so now relationship between India and Egypt is neutral nor close or distant.

As he was thinking about the chaos a soft knock once again interrupted his thoughts.

The door opened, and K.N. Rao, head of R&AW, walked in, followed by Foreign Minister K P Singh.

There was a sense of urgency about them that made Rohan immediately set aside his documents.

And for sure he knew it was somehow about Egypt.

"Sir, we have an unexpected visitor," Rao said, his voice low but measured. "The Egyptian Ambassador, Hassan El-Sayed, is here. He's requested an urgent meeting."

Rohan raised an eyebrow, curious. "El-Sayed, you say? Did he mention why?"

Pillai exchanged a quick glance with Rao. "No details, Prime Minister, but hundred percent it has to do with the recent announcement from Washington where U.S. has abruptly pulled its funding for Egypt's Aswan High Dam project."

Rohan's fingers tapped on the table.

Just before this he was thinking about how to approach Egypt but it seems god favour him as now the Egyptian Ambassador is on his door requesting a meeting.

"Send him in," Rohan said, adjusting his posture. "Let's hear what he has to say."

Moments later, Ambassador Hassan El-Sayed entered, a tall man in his fifties with graying hair and sharp, intelligent eyes.

He greeted Rohan with a formal nod before shaking hands, his grip firm and earnest.

"Prime Minister, thank you for seeing me on such short notice," El-Sayed began, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency.

"Of course, Ambassador," Rohan replied, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Please, make yourself comfortable. You're among friends."

El-Sayed sat down, glancing briefly at the Indian officials present. "Prime Minister, Egypt is at a crossroads. The decision by the United States to withdraw financial support for the Aswan High Dam project has hit us hard. This project isn't merely infrastructure for us, it's a matter of national pride, survival, and modernization."

Rohan nodded, his expression serious. "We understand, Ambassador. The dam would bring power, irrigation, and flood control to your people. It's a lifeline. But what exactly are you asking of India?"

El-Sayed leaned forward, folding his hands. "Prime Minister, President Nasser believes that India and Egypt share a unique bond. We are both nations that recently threw off the shackles of colonial rule. We're both striving for self-reliance, trying to balance development without becoming puppets in the Cold War."

Foreign K P Singh interjected, "Ambassador, India's position in the Cold War is complicated. While we are friendly with the West, we are committed to a neutral stance. If India publicly supports Egypt's decisions too openly, it could strain our relationships with the U.S. and its allies. We must walk carefully."

El-Sayed nodded "We are not asking India to publicly oppose the West, Minister. We merely seek your moral support, an acknowledgment of Egypt's right to make decisions for its own people, on its own terms."

Rohan observed the ambassador carefully. He saw something more than a simple appeal for support.

There was something in El-Sayed's words, a sense that something bigger was coming.

And fortunately or unfortunately Rohan knew what was coming.

"Ambassador," Rohan began slowly, choosing his words with care, "India's principles align with the concept of national sovereignty. We believe that every country has the right to control its resources and make its own choices. But I sense there is more on your mind. What exactly is President Nasser planning?"

El-Sayed hesitated, a flicker of something unspoken passing over his face.

After a brief pause, he spoke, carefully sidestepping the question. "President Nasser is determined to pursue Egypt's interests, Prime Minister. He will not allow foreign powers to dictate our path forward. Our people need the Aswan Dam. We cannot let this setback stop us."

K.N. Rao, who had been silent so far, finally spoke. "Ambassador, if Egypt decides to pursue a more independent path say, through nationalizing resources or other assertive actions, it could draw significant backlash. The West holds the Suez Canal as an asset of strategic interest. If tensions escalate…"

El-Sayed cut in, his voice firm. "Egypt will not bow down, Mr. Rao. The Suez Canal, the Nile, the land, these are our heritage. We're tired of foreign hands controlling our fate. Our leader has made it clear: Egypt will do whatever is necessary to secure its future."

The air in the room grew tense.

Rohan watched El-Sayed with a thoughtful gaze, recalling his knowledge of how events would unfold.

After a long pause, Rohan finally spoke, his tone measured. "Ambassador, you mentioned that India and Egypt have a shared destiny as post-colonial nations. We understand the fight for autonomy. But you must also understand that any move Egypt makes will ripple across the globe. What you're proposing is… bold. India is prepared to express moral support, but I urge you to consider every angle."

El-Sayed's face softened slightly, sensing Rohan's subtle encouragement. "Thank you, Prime Minister. Egypt values India's friendship, and we will always remember those who stood by us in difficult times."

K P Singh leaned forward, tapping his fingers thoughtfully. "If Egypt were to take drastic steps, like reclaiming control over resources, how does Nasser plan to handle the international backlash? This could lead to sanctions or even conflict."

The ambassador's gaze was steady. "President Nasser is prepared for resistance. We have contingency plans in place. But the truth is, we cannot allow foreign interests to dictate our policies any longer. Egypt's future depends on taking back what is rightfully ours."

Rao exchanged a quick look with Rohan, both of them aware of the larger implications.

If Egypt did indeed take control of the Suez Canal, it would be a direct challenge to Western interests.

The canal wasn't just a waterway; it was a lifeline for European oil and trade.

Nasser's move would set the stage for a confrontation.

"Ambassador El-Sayed," Rohan said finally, "India will always support a nation's right to self-determination. But this road you're on will be difficult. You will be tested, both diplomatically and economically. Are you prepared for the cost?"

El-Sayed's face grew resolute. "Egypt has survived invasions, colonialism, and exploitation. We will survive this too, Prime Minister. Our people are resilient, and Nasser is determined. With India's friendship, we will face whatever comes."

KP Singh cleared his throat. "Ambassador, if Nasser's plan is to retake control of the Suez, has he considered working with other nations? Collective action may lend some legitimacy to his move."

El-Sayed nodded. "He has considered it. But we're aware that other countries may be hesitant to join us openly. For now, he's focused on rallying support within the Arab world. He believes that once the initial shock settles, other nations will see the wisdom in Egypt's stand."

Rohan took a deep breath, aware of the tightrope they were all walking.

He couldn't fully support Nasser's ambitions without risking India's own diplomatic standing.

Yet, he understood the importance of Egypt's struggle.

"We will keep our channels open, Ambassador," Rohan said, his voice firm but kind. "India respects Egypt's right to carve its own path. Please convey our friendship to President Nasser and assure him that, within our capacity, we will support Egypt's journey."

El-Sayed stood up, gratitude evident on his face. "Thank you, Prime Minister. You are a true friend to Egypt. I will make sure President Nasser knows of India's goodwill."

As he left, Rohan leaned back.

He was witnessing history unfold in real-time, and the path Egypt had chosen would reshape the Middle East.

Turning to Rao and K P Singh, Rohan spoke softly. "Gentlemen, let's prepare. Whatever happens next, India needs to be ready to adapt to this changing landscape."

Rao nodded, his face serious. "I'll keep our intelligence channels focused on the region. If Nasser does make a move on the Suez Canal, we'll know."

K P Singh added, "We should also prepare our diplomatic corps. If Egypt's actions destabilize the region, we'll need all hands on deck to navigate the fallout."

Rohan gave a small nod, his mind already thinking of a plan which might in a situation avoid war. "Yes. And let's keep this conversation under wraps. We'll wait and watch. The world is changing faster than we anticipated, and India must stay one step ahead."

As the door closed behind K P Singh and Rao.

Rohan sat alone in his office, a faint smile playing on his lips.

For a man with knowledge of the future, he was constantly surprised by how history seemed to accelerate, challenging his plans and vision.

But this time he is ready, only one thing can easily solve the upcoming Suez Canal Crisis and that is a association rejected by Nasser in previous life "Suez Canal Users Association".