A New India
Chapter 197 - 197: Discussion in Cairo

Hassan El Sayed stepped out of the plane into the warm Egyptian sun, clutching the thick document that carried India's commitment to Egypt.

The Indian-Egyptian Defense Deal. It was the lifeline that President Nasser had hoped for, but even he hadn't expected this level of support.

It was a bold, almost overwhelming offer, a sign that India believed in Egypt's struggle against Britain and France.

And more then that he knew something else was going on in India, his gut feeling is telling him if this deal is successful something more bigger is to come.

As his car wound through the streets of Cairo towards the presidential palace, Hassan's mind thoughts of the upcoming discussion.

He knew Nasser would be pleased, yet cautious.

The terms were generous, but they came with a significant price tag.

In a country already struggling with finances and infrastructure, the five billion dollars would not be easy to raise.

When he arrived at the palace, he was immediately escorted into Nasser's private office.

The President was waiting with his usual intense gaze, flanked by his trusted confidants and military chiefs.

They had gathered specifically for this, sensing the importance of the document in Hassan's hands.

"Hassan," Nasser greeted, his tone a mixture of anticipation and formality. "Welcome back. I hope your trip to Delhi was fruitful."

Hassan nodded, stepping forward and handing the document to Nasser. "Prime Minister Rohan extended his support in no uncertain terms, Mr. President. This is India's commitment to Egypt."

Nasser took the document, his fingers running over the embossed seal on the cover.

He opened it slowly, flipping through the pages, his eyes narrowing as he took in the details.

One of his close aides, General Mustafa Abdel Fattah, leaned over, peering at the document with an intense focus.

"India is offering us everything from artillery and armored vehicles to anti-aircraft guns and communication equipment," Hassan explained, filling in the silence as Nasser read. "They have included air support in the form of fighter jets and squadrons, along with small arms and logistical vehicles. It's a complete package."

Nasser looked up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "Jets as well? That's… ambitious."

General Fattah nodded. "It is a formidable list, Mr. President. But…" he hesitated, choosing his words carefully, "this is not an easy deal. Five billion dollars is a steep price, especially given our current financial situation. We must be realistic because at the same time we are in talks with USSR as well"

Nasser's turned to his finance minister, Mahmoud Azmy, who had been silent until now. "Mahmoud, what do you think?"

Azmy sighed, his expression troubled. "Mr. President, Egypt is already stretched thin with the Aswan High Dam project. The nationalization of the canal has given us leverage, yes, but we're still struggling to balance our finances. Five billion dollars… It's beyond our current means. Not to mention if Britan and France so start a war, we can expect Israel to join it as well. That means we need more resources, money in our hand."

Hassan, seeing the discussion going on spoke up. "Prime Minister Rohan did mention that India is committed to supporting our sovereignty, Mr. President. Perhaps there's room for negotiation. They may be open to adjustments, particularly if we can offer them strategic incentives."

Nasser glanced back at the document, tapping his fingers on the desk. "And what kind of adjustments do you have in mind, Hassan?"

"Well," Hassan began, "for starters, we could prioritize only the essentials. Jets and advanced air power may not be immediately necessary. Our primary threat is likely to be from ground forces, especially if Britain or France attempt a direct intervention. We could focus on securing artillery, armored vehicles, and anti-aircraft systems."

General Fattah nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. "Precisely. Small arms, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns would be our immediate needs. If we can secure control of the skies over Cairo and Alexandria with ground-based anti-aircraft guns, we can buy time for our forces to mobilize. Fighter jets, while impressive, would stretch our resources and require extensive training."

Nasser considered this, his brow furrowing in thought. "And what about the financial side of things? What can we offer India to bring down the cost?"

Mahmoud Azmy cleared his throat. "We could consider tariff and tax reductions for Indian goods. Allowing Indian investments in strategic sectors could be beneficial for both nations. There's also the Aswan High Dam project, India has expertise and engineers. We could invite Indian investment in the dam, which would not only strengthen our relationship but also help fund the project."

Nasser's eyes lit up slightly. "An intriguing idea, Mahmoud. India's involvement in the Aswan High Dam would certainly deepen our ties, and it would be a direct snub to the West, showing them that Egypt has alternatives."

Hassan nodded enthusiastically. "Precisely, Mr. President. India's engineering expertise is well-regarded. They've achieved rapid development post-independence, and they're technologically advancing in ways that could benefit Egypt. This could also be a way to further align our interests."

Nasser glanced around the room, gauging the expressions of his advisors. "So, if I understand correctly, we would request a reduction in the military list, focusing only on essential ground and anti-aircraft defenses. In return, we offer India reduced tariffs, invite them to invest in the Aswan High Dam, and perhaps even create a longer-term defense partnership?"

General Fattah leaned forward. "Yes, Mr. President. This way, we avoid overburdening our finances and secure the support we need without compromising Egypt's sovereignty."

Azmy added, "Furthermore, by involving India in the Aswan project, we also secure a powerful ally who can help us counterbalance Western influence in the region."

Nasser's face grew resolute, and he tapped the document with his fingers. "Very well. Let's move forward with this modified proposal."

Hassan looked around, noting the general agreement in the room.

He could feel a sense optimism in all of them, that this deal with succed "Mr. President," he said, "shall I prepare to return to India with our revised terms?"

Nasser nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "Yes, Hassan. Convey our respect and gratitude to Prime Minister Rohan. Make it clear that Egypt is serious about this alliance, and that we recognize India as a crucial partner in our fight against imperialism."

Hassan bowed his head slightly

"I will deliver the message with the utmost respect, Mr. President. Egypt will not forget India's support."

He then paused and looked around, seeing everyone was focus on him he continued

"Sir, this time when I met Prime minister Rohan he was already prepared with this list, so it can be concluded that they are prepared for the consequences of their action and if I put it in better terms, they need some action as they are a strong nation now and action against UK and France will send a message across the world"

Nasser nodded thoughtfully and spoke

"So India is going to use this opportunity and fight back against UK and France so as to finally show their strength and resolve against global power"

"Yes sir and I am not sure but I feel this deal is not the final thing India will give us as support"

Hassan Replied.

Everyone in the room suddenly went silent. They thought over what Hassan said and realised it made sense, but then again what can India do more to counter UK and France.

Suddenly General Fattah took a very deep breath as he stood up from his seat in shock, making everyone look at him.

"Sir India as a colonial country now turned Nucelar definitely wants to show their might against colonial master and what better way to show that by defeating them in a battlefield"

Said Fattah taking deep breaths.

"But how will India defeat them when the war is between us and....."

Nasser who was speaking suddenly become silent as a dangerous thought came to his mind.

Azmy who was standing there spoke and completed Nasser sentences

"Unless they intend to participate in the war and defeat them".

Everyone who was present in the room stood up in shock.

This was a very dangerous possibility one that will change the war and the world forever.

Finally Nasser spoke "Let's not speculate on something that is not being confirmed yet."

He paused and looked at Hassan

"The Future of Egypt's rest on your shoulder"

With that, the meeting was adjourned.

Hassan was given a revised list.

He looked it over carefully, taking note of the reductions and the new clauses added to the proposal:

Revised Egyptian-Indian Defense Deal: Key Points

1. Exclusion of Fighter Jets and Advanced Air Support: Egypt would focus on ground-based defenses and anti-aircraft weaponry, removing the costly air power component.

2. Increased Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Systems: Emphasis on acquiring anti-aircraft guns, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles to strengthen Egypt's defensive position.

3. Reduction in Tariffs and Import Taxes for Indian Goods: A gesture to facilitate economic ties and encourage Indian products in the Egyptian market.

4. Strategic Investment in the Aswan High Dam: An invitation for India to participate in the dam project, allowing Indian engineers and resources to contribute, and fostering a long-term partnership.

5. Future Defense Partnership: A foundation for ongoing defense collaboration and mutual support, symbolizing a united front against colonial powers.