A New India
Chapter 212 - 212: Everyone is Ready for War

Anthony Eden sat quietly at the head of the table in Whitehall's secure war room.

The map of the Suez Canal spread before him was clear but it's implications made everyone silent.

It was easy clamoring for war before but just when you are about to enter war, rethinking of decisions begin.

Around him, Britain's most senior officials military chiefs, diplomats, and ministers sat in tense silence, waiting for him to speak.

The room and everyone sitting in it felt huge suffocation of a decision on the brink of execution.

Eden finally leaned forward, his hands gripping the table's edge.

"Gentlemen, the world is in chaos, and the Suez Canal is its lifeline. We cannot allow a single man's recklessness to jeopardize the stability of nations. Nasser has given us every justification to act his nationalization of the canal, his arrogance in aligning with the Soviets, his attempts to destabilize the region. If we don't intervene now, we may never regain control of the situation. After end of world war 2 we have slowly and steadily slipped out of world power race but this time we will recreate our image and let everyone remeber that sun never sets on us and even if it did, next day it will rise."

Field Marshal Gerald Templer nodded. "Beautifully said sir not to mention the situation is already escalating. Israel's advance into Sinai has created a perfect storm. Their forces are pressing deep into Egyptian territory. If we move decisively under the guise of stabilizing the region, we can achieve our objectives quickly."

Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Prime Minister, I don't disagree, but this cannot look like an outright invasion. We need to frame this operation carefully. Eisenhower is already concerned about our moves. If we push too hard, we risk alienating the Americans and they control the financial levers we depend on. Not to mention UNSC veto has already made us an enemy in the eyes of many"

Eden shot Lloyd a sharp look. "Eisenhower won't like it, but he won't stop us. The Americans are too preoccupied with the Soviets to care about the finer points of the Middle East. As long as we maintain the narrative that this is a peacekeeping mission to protect the canal we'll have enough plausible deniability to act."

Air Chief Marshal Dermot Boyle interjected, his tone pragmatic. "The air force can neutralize Egypt's remaining air capability within hours. Almanza, Cairo West, Hurghada we've mapped out the strikes. Once we ground their planes, the canal zone will be defenseless."

General Charles Keightley, commander of the British land forces, tapped his finger on the map. "The 16th Parachute Brigade is ready to drop on Port Said. From there, we can secure Ismailia. The French will handle the southern operations at Suez City, ensuring we control both ends of the canal. Our forces are well-trained and well-equipped. The Egyptians won't stand a chance. They don't have such experience and command structure to defend a 3 front war against 3 different enemy"

Lloyd frowned. "I'm more concerned about the political fallout. India, for one, is already supporting Nasser covertly. We've heard rumors of Indian troops deployed in Egypt, though they've stayed out of sight. If Rohan decides to make this public, it could complicate our position. Last thing we need is another nuclear power entering this war not to mention one that is supported by many newly independent country"

Eden's voice hardened. "India is not our concern. Rohan is clever, but he knows better than to openly challenge Britain. If Indian troops are in Egypt, they'll keep their heads down. And if they don't, well, we'll deal with that when the time comes. Don't be too afraid of them, they are only supporting Nasser to get Arab world to open their doors for them and increasing prestige in these countries"

The room fell silent with people looking at each other.

At this moment it was very clear that not many agreed with Eden analysis of India but the situation is such that they also agree with his point of dealing with India when it's the time.

Right now it's a chaos and last thing they need is more chaos added to it.

Eden looked around, his expression resolute. "This is about more than the canal. This is about reminding the world of Britain's role as a stabilizing force. We will not stand by while Nasser plays power games with the Soviets and the canal."

Meanwhile, in Paris, French President René Coty was having a similar discussion with his senior ministers.

Defense Minister Maurice Bourgès-Maunoury and Foreign Minister Christian Pineau stood by the map of the canal zone, going over the details of their joint operation with the British.

"We cannot hesitate," Coty declared, his voice firm. "Britain is moving forward, and so must we. Nasser is a threat to French interests. His support for Algeria's rebellion alone is reason enough to act."

Bourgès-Maunoury nodded. "Our forces are ready, Mr. President. The 10th Parachute Division is prepared to secure Suez City and block Egyptian reinforcements from reaching the canal. Once the British take Port Said, we'll lock down the southern approaches."

Pineau raised a hand. "But we must be cautious, Mr. President. The Arab world is rallying behind Nasser, and this operation will only inflame tensions. If we lose international support, it could isolate France further."

Coty waved the concern away. "Let the Arab world shout. They lack the power to challenge us. Our objective is clear: regain control of the canal and remove Nasser's influence. Anything else is secondary."

The French officials agreed, though tension of what will happen still remained.

They knew the operation was risky, but they were determined to press forward.

Across the Mediterranean, in Tel Aviv, David Ben-Gurion was pacing in his office, listening intently as his Chief of Staff, Moshe Dayan, provided updates.

"Our forces are advancing well," Dayan said. "We've secured Kusseima and Thamad. The Mitla Pass is within reach. Egyptian resistance has been sporadic but manageable. They're disorganized."

Ben-Gurion nodded but didn't look satisfied. "And the British and French? Are they ready to move?"

Dayan smirked. "Impatient, as always. They're waiting for the perfect excuse to intervene. The moment we advance closer to the canal, they'll make their move."

Ben-Gurion's face darkened. "Good. Let them carry the burden. We've done our part. Now, it's their turn to finish what they started."

That evening, synchronized announcements came from London and Paris..

Eden addressed the British Parliament, carefully framing the operation. "The Middle East is on the brink of chaos. The Suez Canal, a lifeline for global commerce, is under threat. Britain, as a force for stability, must act to ensure its safety and accessibility. Our mission is clear: to protect the canal and restore order."

In Paris, Coty echoed the sentiment. "France cannot stand idle as instability threatens the region. This is not aggression; it is a necessary step to safeguard the interests of all nations dependent on the canal."

The propaganda machine kicked into overdrive.

British and French media emphasized Nasser's alignment with the Soviets, portraying him as a reckless dictator jeopardizing global trade.

They painted the intervention as a noble act of peacekeeping, though few outside Europe believed it.

In Cairo, Nasser's response was fiery and immediate. Standing before a packed audience, he declared, "They call this peacekeeping? They come not as protectors, but as invaders! They wish to take back what Egypt has reclaimed. But we will not bow. The canal is ours, and we will fight for it with every ounce of our strength."

Egypt began to mobilize its defenses, though the odds were against them.

Anti-aircraft batteries were deployed near Cairo, Ismailia, and Port Said.

Soldiers dug trenches and fortified positions, knowing they faced an onslaught they were ill-prepared to counter.

In New Delhi, Prime Minister Rohan convened with his top military advisers.

The reports from Egypt confirmed what he had expected: Britain and France were laying the groundwork for their invasion.

General Negi briefed him. "The British and French propaganda is working overtime, sir. They're positioning this as a humanitarian mission. Our forces remain in position, but if they attack near Ismailia, we'll be drawn into the conflict. At the same time this conflict has given me the idea of importance of foreign base. Even though this is not the right time but I hope sir, we can have some military bases in Indian Ocean and remove some western influence from there"

Rohan's face was tense. "Yes you are right don't worry I have idea on how to approach and who to approach but for now this war is our priority. It's only a matter of time. The moment their paratroopers land, our troops will be exposed. They won't care about avoiding us. When they attack, we'll make sure the world knows."

General Singh added, "Should we prepare for direct engagement?"

Rohan nodded. "Not yet. Let them make the first mistake. But once they do, we respond immediately. This isn't just Egypt's fight it's ours too and we will bloody hell finish it".