A New India
Chapter 227 - 227: Conference - I

The grand conference hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan was full of noise with tension of unresolved conflict and accusations.

The Suez Crisis had brought the world's most powerful leaders to Delhi, a moment that would determine the future of international peace and stability.

Seated at the head of the table was Prime Minister Rohan, his presence commanding yet measured.

Around him, the leaders of the United States, the Soviet Union, China, Egypt, France, the United Kingdom, and Israel sat, each with their own stakes in the crisis.

The seating arrangement was deliberate: Prime Minister Rohan of India sat at the head of the table, symbolizing his role as host and mediator.

To his right was President Dwight D. Eisenhower of the United States, his calm demeanor masking the pressure of maintaining global peace.

On the other side Prisident Nikita, his piercing gaze scanning the room.

Chairman Mao Zedong of China sat quietly, exuding a quiet intensity, while President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt looked resolute yet weary.

The French Prime Minister Jacques Beaumont, Israel Prime Minister and British Prime Minister Anthony Eden completed the circle.

Prime Minister Rohan cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room.

His voice was calm, deliberate, but carried an edge of conviction. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Suez Crisis has brought us to the brink of a global disaster. This is not just about the canal; it is about the very foundation of international law, sovereignty, and the ability of nations to coexist peacefully. Today, we must find a resolution that does not merely postpone war but ensures lasting peace."

He paused, his gaze shifting toward British Prime Minister Anthony Eden, who sat stiffly in his chair, his expression controlled but clearly strained.

Rohan's tone sharpened. "But before we move forward, there are questions that need answers. The unprovoked attack on Indian troops stationed in Egypt cannot be ignored. Prime Minister Eden, the world is watching, and so are the families of those soldiers. What explanation do you offer?"

Eden leaned forward, his fingers clasped tightly together. "Prime Minister Rohan, let me begin by expressing my deep regret for the loss of Indian lives. The attack on your forces was not deliberate. It occurred in the chaos of military operations in a highly contested region. We deeply regret that Indian troops were caught in the crossfire."

Rohan's face remained unreadable. "Regret does not undo what has been done, Prime Minister. Trust has been violated, and the international community demands accountability."

President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who had been sitting quietly, now spoke with a voice that carried both anger and resolve. "Prime Minister Eden, the attack on Indian troops is but one chapter of your aggression. You, along with France and Israel, launched an unprovoked invasion of Egyptian territory. You bombed our cities, killed our people, and sought to seize control of the Suez Canal. How do you justify such actions?"

Eden's pale face tightened as he glanced briefly at French Prime Minister Jacques Beaumont, who gave him a small nod before speaking himself. "President Nasser, the actions taken by France, the United Kingdom, and Israel were a response to your unilateral nationalization of the Suez Canal. This decision threatened the stability of international trade and endangered economic interests far beyond the region."

Nasser's hand slammed against the polished wooden table, his voice rising. "Threatened trade? The canal is Egyptian territory. Its nationalization was a sovereign decision, and we guaranteed its operation for all nations. Yet, instead of diplomacy, you chose to invade."

Nasser paused calming himself down and spoke again "Truthfully I am tired of this clown show by you 3 countries. This is not the first time we are her discussing this. From London conference to UN to India. All you do is blame Egypt for something they have not done and try to justify your actions based on that".

Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, seated beside Beaumont, now entered the conversation.

His tone was firm, his words measured. "President Nasser, your guarantees rang hollow in the face of your repeated threats against Israel. Our actions were not about imperialism but survival. The Suez Canal was being weaponized against us, and we could not afford to wait for it to be closed off entirely."

Nasser's face flushed with anger. "Weaponized? Israel, France, and Britain conspired in secret to dismantle Egyptian sovereignty. You attacked us in a coordinated strike, not in defense, but to humiliate us. Let us call it what it is, an imperialist war."

President Nikita of the Soviet Union, who had been observing the heated exchanges with his steely eyes, finally leaned forward.

"The Soviet Union views this crisis as a clear violation of international law. The United Kingdom, France, and Israel acted as aggressors, and their actions cannot be excused under the guise of protecting trade. The nationalization of the canal was entirely within Egypt's rights as a sovereign state. This aggression must not go unchallenged."

Eden's frustration was beginning to show. "President Nikita, your criticisms would carry more weight if your own actions in Eastern Europe weren't so glaringly hypocritical. Let us not pretend that the Soviet Union is a guardian of sovereignty."

Nikita's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, President Dwight D. Eisenhower intervened.

His tone was calm but firm, the voice of a leader determined to bring reason to the chaos. "Gentlemen, this is not a time to trade accusations. The world is looking to us for solutions, not for a continuation of hostilities. We must focus on the path forward."

Eisenhower turned his attention to Rohan. "Prime Minister, the United States has been clear in its opposition to this conflict from the beginning. We condemned the invasion and supported the UN resolution for a ceasefire. But now the question is, how do we ensure stability in the region without plunging it into further turmoil?"

Rohan nodded, appreciating the shift in tone. "Mr. President, the ceasefire is a fragile step, but it is only the beginning. For peace to hold, there must be accountability and a commitment to non-aggression. The Suez Canal must remain open to all nations, but its operation cannot be used as a pretext for invasion or domination."

Chairman Mao Zedong, who had been silent until now, spoke in a low but commanding voice. "Prime Minister Rohan is correct. Sovereignty must be respected, and imperialist ambitions must be curtailed. However, it is also clear that economic interests are driving much of this conflict. To resolve this, we must address the root cause, the control of resources."

Beaumont, sensing an opportunity, interjected. "If we are to move forward, we must ensure that the canal remains a neutral and international waterway. France supports the establishment of an international body to oversee its operations, ensuring that no single nation can unilaterally control it."

Nasser's jaw tightened, but he responded with surprising calm. "Prime Minister Beaumont, Egypt has always maintained that the canal would remain open to all nations. We have no desire to close it. However, we will not accept foreign oversight that infringes on our sovereignty."

Rohan's gaze swept across the table. "A neutral body to ensure transparency could be a step forward, but only if it respects Egyptian sovereignty. This is not about stripping rights from nations, it is about ensuring that no nation weaponizes trade against another."

Eden, desperate to regain footing, added, "If Egypt guarantees the canal's neutrality and security, then perhaps there is room for compromise. But there must also be assurances that the canal will not be used as leverage against countries like Israel or others reliant on its passage."

Ben-Gurion nodded in agreement. "Israel must not be placed in a position where our economic lifelines are at the mercy of hostile neighbors."