A New India
Chapter 236 - 236: List of Naval Ships to Buy

The atmosphere inside South Block was full of anticipation.

Rohan sudden call to everyone with a list of Naval items shocked them but at the same time they realised it was inevitable.

Prime Minister Rohan sat at the head of the long teakwood table, flanked by the key members of his government.

To his right sat Defense Minister Sardar Patel, his wise and measured demeanor a steadying presence.

Next to him was Finance Minister Harsh Patel, who already wore the weary look of someone very tired.

Across the table, Foreign Minister K.P. Singh looked calm, his pen poised over a notebook, while Chief of Defence Staff General Negi and the service chiefs, General Singh, Admiral Arjun Das, and Air Chief Marshal Suraj Kapoor, sat ready with files and maps.

The task before them was monumental: to discuss India's ambitious naval expansion and missile acquisition strategy for 1955.

This was no mere wish list, it was a calculated effort to modernize the country's defenses in a world teetering on the brink of global realignment.

But the financial, diplomatic, and logistical hurdles were immense.

Rohan broke the silence, his voice steady but firm. "Gentlemen, the world is changing rapidly. The Suez Crisis has shown us how fragile the global order is. The Indian Ocean is becoming a theater of strategic importance, and we must ensure that our navy is not just a token force but a credible power capable of safeguarding our interests."

Sardar Patel leaned forward, his tone calm yet assertive. "Prime Minister, I couldn't agree more. But the list we've prepared is ambitious. We're looking at carriers, frigates, destroyers, missile boats, and production rights for advanced weaponry. It's not just about money, it's about convincing the British, the French, and the Soviets to sell us these assets while ensuring we don't lose our bargaining leverage."

General Negi, a man known for his no-nonsense approach, chimed in. "We cannot afford to delay this, sir. Our current naval strength is inadequate. INS Delhi and a few outdated frigates are not enough to deter aggression, let alone project power. We need the INS Vikrant, HMS Vengeance, and HMS Warrior to form the backbone of our carrier fleet."

Admiral Das nodded. "The INS Vikrant is already under construction at Harland and Wolff in Belfast, but the costs have risen significantly. Refitting HMS Vengeance and Warrior will also require substantial investments. Together, we're looking at roughly $25 million just for the carriers."

Harsh Patel adjusted his glasses, speaking with the precision. "$25 million for three carriers is only the beginning. The British Type 15 frigates, which we already operate, will cost about $2 million each for the additional twelve we plan to order. That's another $24 million. Add to that the French T-47 destroyers at approximately $4 million each for twelve ships, and we're adding another $48 million to the bill."

K.P. Singh tapped his pen on the table. "We must also factor in the missile boats. The thirty-six we've proposed, armed with French SS.12 missiles, will cost around $15 million. And let's not forget the production licenses for the missiles themselves. The French will demand at least $5 million for the rights, and the Soviets will likely ask for a similar amount for the P-15 Termit missiles."

General Singh frowned, his voice heavy with concern. "That puts us at nearly $120 million for the entire package. And this doesn't include operational costs or future maintenance. Prime Minister, do we have the resources to undertake such an ambitious program?"

Rohan leaned forward, his gaze steady. "We don't just have to think about the cost, we have to think about the opportunity. A strong navy isn't just a defensive tool; it's a statement of India's independence and determination. The world will take us seriously only if we can project strength. Harsh, what's our fiscal capacity?"

Harsh Patel flipped through a thick ledger. "Prime Minister, our current defense budget is around ₹400 crore, or roughly $85 million. Allocating over $120 million to this program will require borrowing or reallocating funds from other sectors. However, if we use the remaining funds we have recieved from Egypt after selling those weapons, it is possible"

K.P. Singh interjected. "Diplomacy will play a critical role here. The British, for instance, will expect trade concessions. They'll likely demand tariff reductions on textiles and machinery, which could cost us revenue in the short term. The French will want exclusivity in some industries, and the Soviets will use this to strengthen their influence in India."

Rohan nodded. "That's expected. But we must negotiate smartly. If we position this as a partnership rather than a transaction, we can extract technology transfers and ensure local production. The goal isn't just to buy, we must learn to build."

Admiral Das spoke next, his voice firm. "The carriers will be the centerpiece of our navy, Prime Minister. INS Vikrant will give us a modern platform capable of launching aircraft, but we'll need to refit HMS Vengeance and Warrior extensively to bring them up to standard. We can rename them INS Viraat and INS Veer. They'll complement each other and give us a credible carrier fleet."

General Singh turned to Rohan. "Prime Minister, the carriers will allow us to project power, but we can't overlook the frigates and destroyers. The Type 15 frigates are proven platforms for anti-submarine warfare, while the T-47 destroyers offer firepower and versatility. Without these ships, the carriers will be vulnerable."

K.P. Singh leaned back in his chair, his pen tapping thoughtfully. "The British will be the easiest to convince. They still see India as part of the Commonwealth and want to maintain influence. Not to mention after last year they have realised the power of India and unless they don't want any influence in third world country they will ignore India.The French will be more difficult they'll demand guarantees on exclusivity. The Soviets, however, will be cautious. They'll want to ensure that these weapons won't be used against their allies."

Rohan's tone sharpened. "And what about our missile program? The SS.12 and P-15 missiles will be game-changers, but we need production rights. Can we negotiate co-production agreements?"

Sardar Patel responded firmly. "The French have shown willingness to share technology if we commit to large orders. The Soviets will demand strict terms, but they know India's importance in the third world countries. If we emphasize our neutrality, we can secure favorable terms."

Rohan stood, his presence commanding the room. "Gentlemen, this isn't just about ships and missiles. It's about securing India's future. Every rupee, every dollar we invest now will pay dividends in the decades to come. Harsh, work out the financial plan. K.P., prepare your teams for tough negotiations. Admiral Das, coordinate with your counterparts in the UK and France to finalize the technical specifications."

The room buzzed with activity as the ministers and chiefs began to strategize.

Sometimes the stronger you are the more complication arises.

Even though all these countries need India's help in third world countries but at the same time they don't want India to grow too much.

Rohan remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the naval map spread across the table.

He finally spoke, his voice resolute. "This is our moment to show the world what India is capable of. Let's make it count."