A New India
Chapter 288 - 288: Arranging a Meeting with West Germany

The soft noise of ceiling fans filled the Prime Minister's office as Rohan leaned back in his chair.

The victory in reshaping the narrative around the protests had boosted his credibility both domestically and internationally, but he knew there was no time to rest.

The next battle he will once again continue was economic, and his vision for India's automobile industry demanded immediate action.

He looked at Harish Patel, the Finance Minister, and KP Singh, the Foreign Minister, seated across from him.

Both men had notebooks in front of them, pens poised, waiting for Rohan to speak.

"This is critical," Rohan began, his tone measured but firm. "India cannot remain dependent on foreign imports for automobiles. If we are to modernize, we need to start building our own industry, and for that, we need technology, expertise, and investment."

Harish nodded. "I agree, Prime Minister. But where do we start? Building an automobile industry from scratch isn't easy."

Rohan's eyes sharpened. "We once again start with Germany. West Germany is recovering from the war, but their engineering remains unmatched. Companies like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz are eager to expand their markets. If we can secure a deal with them, we gain access to their technology and training."

KP Singh leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Prime Minister, negotiating with West Germany will be hard this time. Though we have already signed a agreement few years back but automobile industry is all together a different field."

Rohan waved a hand dismissively. "That's why we need to make it worth their while. Harish, I want you to prepare an economic package, a combination of tax incentives and favorable trade terms. Show them that India is not just another market but a partner in their growth."

The meeting stretched into the afternoon, with secretaries and advisors shuttling in and out of the room.

Harish scribbled notes furiously as Rohan outlined his vision.

"KP," Rohan continued, his gaze fixed on the Foreign Minister, "I want a formal request sent to the West German embassy by tomorrow. Make it clear that this is not just a trade agreement, it's a strategic partnership."

KP Singh nodded, jotting down points. "I'll speak to our ambassador in Bonn. But Prime Minister, we'll need to walk carefully. The Americans have significant influence in West Germany, and after our battle of narrative they might try to sabotage this."

Rohan smirked. "Let the Americans do what they want. This isn't about them; it's about us. Besides, a stronger India benefits them too."

A junior secretary entered the room with a stack of documents, placing them in front of Harish. "Sir, these are the preliminary reports on Germany's current industrial output and potential areas of collaboration."

Harish skimmed through the papers, his eyes narrowing. "Their automobile sector is ripe for expansion. If we play this right, we could secure technology transfer agreements and even set up joint ventures."

KP Singh interjected. "But Prime Minister, arranging a meeting with the West German Chancellor won't be simple. Such high-level meetings require weeks of groundwork. We'll need to convince them that this is worth their time."

Rohan leaned forward, his tone resolute. "Then do it. That's your job KP, send the preliminary proposal to their embassy. Highlight India's potential as a manufacturing hub and our growing consumer base. And make it clear that I'm personally committed to this partnership."

The next day, India's ambassador to West Germany, Dr. Ashok Mehra, received an urgent cable from Delhi.

Sitting in his office in Bonn, he read through the proposal with growing interest.

Picking up the phone, he dialed KP Singh directly.

"Minister, this is very good," Mehra said, his voice tinged with both admiration and concern. "A direct meeting between the Prime Ministers? That's not an everyday request."

KP Singh's voice crackled over the line. "Dr. Mehra, the Prime Minister believes this is critical for India's future. Can you make it happen?"

Mehra paused, considering the challenge. "The Germans are pragmatic. Even though prime minister last visit was successful we cannot be sure they will agree to a trade agreement on automobile or even a technology transfer but If we present this as mutually beneficial, they'll listen. I'll reach out to the Chancellor's office, but we'll need to be patient."

KP Singh's tone softened. "I understand, Ashok, but time is not on our side. The Prime Minister wants this done as soon as possible."

Over the next few days, teams in Delhi and Bonn worked tirelessly to draft the proposal.

Economists, engineers, and trade experts collaborated to create a comprehensive document outlining India's vision for its automobile industry.

The proposal emphasized India's vast labor pool, the potential for low-cost manufacturing, and the government's commitment to infrastructure development under the Gati Shakti program.

In Delhi, Rohan reviewed the final draft with Harish and KP Singh.

"This is solid," Rohan said, flipping through the pages. "But we need to emphasize our long-term vision. This isn't just about building cars, it's about creating an ecosystem. Factories, supply chains, training institutes everything."

Harish nodded. "I'll add a section on the economic impact. Jobs, GDP growth, export potential, it's all there."

KP Singh added, "And I'll ensure the diplomatic language is polished. The Germans are sticklers for detail."

A week later, Dr. Mehra received a response from the Chancellor's office.

The West Germans were intrigued but cautious.

They agreed to a preliminary meeting in Bonn to discuss the proposal in detail.

When the news reached Delhi, Rohan's face lit up with satisfaction. "Good," he said. "That's the first step. Now, KP, I want you to brief me thoroughly. Every detail about their economy, their political landscape, their key players, I want to know it all."

Harish chuckled. "Prime Minister, at this rate, you'll know more about Germany than the Germans themselves."

Rohan smirked. "That's the idea, Harish. If we're going to play this game, we play to win."

In the days leading up to the meeting, Delhi was full of activity.

Rohan spent hours with his advisors, rehearsing every point of the proposal.

Maps, charts, and economic models filled the conference room as the team refined their strategy.

Late one evening, as the session wrapped up.

Neeraj entered the room with a steaming cup of chai. "Prime Minister, you've been at this for hours. Take a break."

Rohan took the cup, smiling faintly. "No rest, Neeraj. Not until this deal is done."

Neeraj hesitated, then said, "You know, sir, most leaders would delegate this to their ministers. But you're handling it personally."

Rohan's expression grew serious. "Because this isn't just another deal, Neeraj. This is about setting the foundation for India's future. If I don't fight for it, who will?"

As the day of the meeting approached, the stakes grew higher.

The German delegation's interest had been piqued, but securing their trust would require all of Rohan's skill and determination.

Back in Delhi, Harish remarked to KP Singh, "You know, if he pulls this off, it'll change the course of our economy."

KP Singh nodded. "And if he doesn't?"

Harish smiled wryly. "Then I suppose we'll just have to try again. But knowing Rohan, failure isn't an option."

"But still sometimes I find these western countries very hateful, last time Rohan went for trade agreement everything was passed instantly but this time due to our war of narrative with West, Germany also took a stance of aversion against us".

KP spoke while taking a deep breath and releasing.

Harish smiled bitterly and replied "That's why when we have to continue on this quest because no matter, we have a leader who is someone with ambition and people with ambition don't fit well with West if they are Asian".