A New India
Chapter 224 - 224: Incoming Leaders - II

The atmosphere at Palam Airport became more serious with every passing moment.

With the arrivals of the French Prime Minister and the American President earlier, the tension in the air was already very high.

But the stakes rose even higher with the imminent arrivals of the Soviet Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev and Chairman Mao Zedong.

These leaders represented ideologies that had already divided the world, and their simultaneous presence in India was nothing short of historic.

The reception had to be flawless, and every detail was being executed with military precision.

Prime Minister Rohan stood on the tarmac, flanked by his senior ministers and Chief of Protocol Ramesh.

Despite the success of the earlier receptions, his focus remained unwavering. "Are we certain the Soviets received the full itinerary?" he asked Rao, his eyes scanning the bustling airfield.

"Yes, Prime Minister," Rao replied. "The Soviet delegation confirmed it this morning. President Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev aware of the order of events. The anthems, the salute, the convoy, it's all clear."

"Good," Rohan said, glancing at the horizon. The distant roar of engines grew louder. "Here they come."

The Soviet aircraft, its silver fuselage glinting in the fading sunlight, descended smoothly onto the tarmac.

As the plane slowed to a halt, Indian soldiers in ceremonial uniform stood at attention, their rifles resting against their shoulders.

The Indian Air Force band began playing the State Anthem of the Soviet Union, its powerful melody echoing across the airfield.

Rohan straightened his posture, his eyes fixed on the plane's door as it opened.

The Soviet delegation disembarked first, their dark suits and polished shoes reflecting their no-nonsense approach to diplomacy.

Finally, President Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev.

His figure was imposing, his expression calm but observant.

He paused at the top of the stairs, surveying the scene with a calculated glance before descending.

Rohan stepped forward to greet him, extending his hand with a confident smile. " President Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev welcome to India."

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev grapsed

Rohan's hand firmly. "Thank you, Prime Minister. It is an honor to visit your country for such an important occasion."

"The honor is ours," Rohan replied. "This is a moment of great significance, and we are grateful for your presence."

The two leaders exchanged brief pleasantries before moving toward the ceremonial lineup.

The Indian soldiers presented arms, their synchronized movements drawing an approving nod from Bulganin.

As the Soviet anthem ended, the band transitioned seamlessly into Jana Gana Mana, India's national anthem.

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev gaze swept over the guards and the officials. "Your preparations are impeccable," he said quietly to Rohan. "It shows the respect you have for diplomacy."

"We believe in showing respect to all our guests, Premier," Rohan replied.

The two leaders moved toward the convoy of armored cars waiting nearby.

The Soviet delegation followed in silence, their disciplined demeanor unbroken.

As the vehicles departed the airfield, Delhi Police officers and National Security Guard (NSG) operatives maintained a tight cordon along the route.

Inside the lead car,Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev turned to Rohan. "The security arrangements are impressive. It is clear your government has left no room for error."

"This conference represents an opportunity the world cannot afford to lose," Rohan replied. "We are doing everything we can to ensure its success."

The convoy arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan,

The ceremonial guards presented another rifle salute, which he acknowledged with a nod of approval.

Inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan's ornate halls, Rohan led Nikita to a private meeting room where they would briefly discuss the agenda for the next day.

"We'll be covering a range of topics tomorrow," Rohan explained. "Your contributions will be vital."

Nikita nodded, his tone measured. "The Soviet Union has much to offer in shaping the outcomes of this conference. We look forward to productive discussions."

As the Soviet delegation settled in, the airfield prepared for an even more symbolic arrival.

Chairman Mao Zedong's confirmation to attend the conference had shocked the international community, and his presence was perhaps the most politically charged of all.

Every step of his reception had been scrutinized repeatedly.

The Chinese aircraft, modest compared to the others, approached the runway.

Its engines roared as it touched down, escorted by two Indian fighter jets.

Soldiers snapped to attention once more, their rifles gleaming in the soft light of dusk.

The band began playing March of the Volunteers, China's national anthem, as the plane came to a stop.

Rohan stood composed, though his mind raced.

This was a critical moment, Mao's visit signified a potential shift in global diplomacy.

The door of the aircraft opened, and the Chinese delegation began descending.

Their dark Mao suits and serious expressions contrasted sharply with the grandeur of the surroundings.

Finally, Chairman Mao emerged, his face calm but commanding.

Rohan stepped forward with practiced ease, extending his hand. "Chairman Mao, welcome to India. It is a privilege to have you here."

Mao grasped Rohan's hand firmly. "Thank you, Prime Minister. India's invitation is a testament to its leadership on the world stage."

The two exchanged measured pleasantries before moving toward the ceremonial lineup.

The guards presented arms once more, and Mao returned the gesture with a slight bow.

As the Indian anthem played, Mao stood quietly, his face betraying no emotion.

Walking toward the convoy, Mao spoke in a low voice to Rohan. "Your country's discipline and respect for tradition are evident. It reflects well on your leadership."

"We see this as an opportunity for collaboration, Chairman Mao," Rohan replied. "Our nations have much to discuss."

The convoy departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan, its path secured by layers of armed personnel and NSG operatives.

The streets of Delhi, though empty of civilians, pulsed with the unseen vigilance of thousands of security personnel.

Inside the car, Mao turned to Rohan. "This conference will bring together many competing interests. The challenge will be to ensure that dialogue does not turn into division."

"Dialogue is our priority," Rohan replied. "India's role is to bridge gaps, not deepen them."

Arriving at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the reception mirrored the earlier ceremonies.

The Chinese delegation, precise and orderly, followed their leader inside the grand building.

In the private meeting room, Rohan and Mao sat across from each other, accompanied by a small team of advisors.

Mao leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp. "India has chosen a bold path by bringing us all together. It will not be easy."

"No, it won't," Rohan agreed. "But the world needs leadership. If we fail to find common ground, the consequences will be far worse."

The two leaders exchanged measured words, their conversation ending with a mutual understanding of the task ahead.