A New India
Chapter 206 - 206: Deployment Strategy

Prime Minister Rohan looked across the table at his two top generals, General Negi, the Chief of Defence Staff, and General Singh, the Army Chief.

The end of London conference will be the beginning of Suez Canal Crisis and Rohan was sure about it.

Even though history is altered but the chronological order it is following is still the same.

But this time United Kingdom and France will come more hard because they are able to see the overwhelming response of old colonial state, in order to send all them a message about the power of west, Egypt unfortunately will become the outlet.

Today he gathered both of his Generals so that they can discuss about the deployment of troops in Egypt under the strategy of striking and sinking of drawing ambition of old colonial power.

The map of Egypt was spread between them, filled with notes and marked positions, and around it lay a stack of reports on probable British and French military deployments in the Suez region.

Each man knew they were preparing for something unprecedented if known to the world before the success will not only deny India any success but at the same time push India into backfoot which they will find hard to comeback from.

Rohan tapped his fingers on the edge of the table. "General Singh, how quickly can we get the Rajputana Rifles mobilized?"

Singh looked up, decisive. "With the green light, we can have them airborne in forty-eight hours. The time duration could have been reduced but given the circumstances this is the best we can do. They'll go under the guise of 'technical advisors' at first, just enough to set up in Cairo and blend in with Egyptian forces until the time comes. But, sir, they'll need more support than just their regiment."

General Negi agreed. "Yes, we'll also deploy a smaller, specialized Gurkha detachment. They're discreet, versatile, and perfect for defensive operations if things get hostile. But," he looked at Rohan, "this won't just be about visibility. We'll need to embed them at strategic chokepoints, especially around Ismailia and Port Said. The British and French forces will have to pass through those areas, no question about it. Not to mention Israel from which we will try to stay out of conflict"

Rohan nodded, studying the map. "And that's where we need them, right in the path. But I'm concerned about the logistics if this escalates quickly. We're talking potentially weeks of engagement, not just a few days. Not to mention the inensity of the battle which will affect the existing logistics. We don't want our troops on foreign soil in a war situation lacking basic things like ammunition and food"

Singh ran his finger along the routes from Alexandria to Suez. "Our supply lines will be a challenge, sir, but we're prepared. Egypt has agreed to keep our resupplies low-key, and they'll allow Indian transports to land covertly. We'll need a small base just outside of Cairo to funnel in essentials without catching attention."

Negi looked at Rohan, his tone cautious. "This will require constant resupply if things go south, Prime Minister. If the British and French suspect our movements, we risk them interfering with our logistics. We'd have to be ready for unconventional supply routes coastal or even overland if necessary."

Rohan looked thoughtful. "And if they do cut off those routes? What then?"

Singh leaned forward, his voice firm. "Then we adapt. We're not planning for a full-scale assault, sir. Our goal is sustained resistance, not head-on conflict. The Rajputana Rifles can fortify positions and use what we bring in as long as we're careful. But they'll need intel to stay one step ahead."

Negi nodded. "We'll set up recon teams in the area as well. The Egyptians have already offered to feed us updates on British and French positions, and our own intelligence teams will keep watch. But there's another layer to consider, sir."

Rohan looked at him, eyebrows raised. "Go on."

Negi's face was tense. "If this goes public and the British or French forces figure out our strategy, they'll shift tactics. We can't expect them to keep pressing on us without retaliation. And we'll need a clear line of communication with Cairo's top command. If Egyptian forces panic or shift positions too suddenly, our troops could be left isolated. The most tabbo thing in a battlefield is when those at the frontline are unaware of higher command action and plan"

Rohan thought it over, eyes fixed on the map. "Then we need our men embedded with the Egyptians, both on the front lines and back in command. They need to stay synchronized with Egyptian movements. Otherwise, this whole strategy falls apart."

Singh leaned forward. "The Egyptian command is erratic, sir, to put it politely. They're not used to coordinated maneuvers under pressure, and there's a chance some units may abandon their posts if things get heated. That's where our team of advisors comes in. We'll embed a handful of Indian officers in Cairo and Ismailia to ensure orders stay clear and the Egyptians don't panic under fire."

Rohan's eyes narrowed. "Good. But if British or French intelligence catches wind of our officers directing operations, that changes the game."

Singh met Rohan's gaze squarely. "Then we'll have to make it look like training, support roles only. They'll keep Egyptian uniforms and operate from the Egyptian command. It's risky, but it's the only way to maintain control without drawing suspicion."

Negi added, "And if they do engage, our men will need the flexibility to adapt on the ground. We'll instruct them to follow Egyptian movements as a rule, but they'll have leeway to hold key positions even if the Egyptians retreat."

Singh nodded in agreement. "Our men know how to fortify. If they're given the order to hold, they'll dig in and keep the line secure. They can establish defensive perimeters that would force any advancing British or French units into a bottleneck, minimizing our exposure."

Rohan leaned back, thinking through each point. "And what about air support? British and French planes will dominate the skies over the canal. If they spot our troops in positions that look offensive, they'll come down on us hard."

Negi spoke up. "We've been coordinating with Egypt's limited air defenses. They're inadequate, frankly, but we're working on reinforcing their radar capabilities and supplying them with spare anti-aircraft equipment. Our goal is deterrence, not confrontation in the air. We want the British and French pilots to think twice before engaging."

Singh added, "That's also where the Gurkhas come in. They can set up ambush points along potential landing zones. They're mobile, highly skilled in staying hidden, and they'll monitor air strikes, keeping track of any airborne operations."

Rohan looked at both generals. "We're covering ground defenses, air deterrence, and embedded communications. Now, one last question, what's our response protocol if the British or French engage our forces directly?"

Singh didn't hesitate. "We hold firm, sir. The Rajputana Rifles are trained for this exact situation. If they're fired upon, they respond to protect their positions, but they don't advance. Our men will follow strict defensive tactics, staying within our zones. We're not there to provoke, only to show them that we're not backing down."

Negi added, "And the Gurkhas will play a covert role. They're there for observation, defense, and, if necessary, they'll support our main forces. Their goal is to make sure the British or French can't reinforce their troops without a fight."

Rohan gave a slight nod. "Then we're ready. Our position is clear, and our strategy is locked in place. Gentlemen, our troops will be in Egypt within forty-eight hours. From that point forward, we're committed. This isn't a game of threats anymore. We're setting a precedent that can't be undone."

Singh nodded. "We're prepared, Prime Minister. Our men know the stakes, and they understand the risks. This isn't just about Egypt. It's about standing firm on our commitments."

Negi's voice was steady, but there was a weight to his words. "Once our men are in position, they'll follow their orders, come what may. But if the British or French forces engage them, we must be ready to face the consequences."

Rohan took a deep breath, scanning the room. "We've done everything to avoid an open confrontation. But if it comes to that, our response will be swift, decisive, and public. The world will know that India will not be disregarded."

Singh stood up, saluting. "Understood, sir. We'll have everything ready, and the Rajputana Rifles will be in place by the time any British or French units make their move."

Rohan looked at both men, the weight of his decision hanging in the air. "Then let's proceed. Prepare the deployment orders. By the time they realize what's happened, India's presence in Egypt will be undeniable."

They exchanged firm nods, each man aware of the storm they were walking into but resolute in their purpose. The decision was made, and there was no turning back.