As Hassan El Sayed's plane touched down in Delhi under the cover of night.
This visit was different. The revised terms he carried were significant, yet he waiting for sothing that Rohan had in his mind, sothing deeper than just a transactional deal.
Though they had the idea of what Rohan was to offer yet until it was confird it is all speculation.
The car that picked him up was discreet, a modest black sedan that blended easily into Delhi's quiet streets.
Hassan was taken directly to the Pri Minister's residence, where Rohan had agreed to et him privately, away from the eyes and ears of other officials.
Hassan felt the weight of Egypt's future on his shoulders, knowing that this eting could shape their nation's defense against formidable powers.
Rohan t him in a small, comfortable study, warmly lit.
He welcod Hassan with a firm handshake and a nod, both n sitting down without the formalities that typically preceded such conversations.
"Hassan," Rohan began, his voice calm and assured, "it's good to see you again. I take it your journey was smooth?"
"Yes, thank you, Pri Minister," Hassan replied, settling into his seat. "Your hospitality is always impeccable. Also thank you for eting once again in such a short notice"
Rohan leaned forward, eyes fixed on Hassan. "I understand you have so revised terms for the defense deal. Let's go through them together."
Hassan nodded, pulling the docunt from his briefcase and handing it over. "Indeed, Pri Minister. President Nasser and his advisors carefully reviewed the original proposal, and while Egypt is grateful for India's support, we have made so adjustnts, focusing on what we believe is most essential for our imdiate defense."
Rohan opened the docunt, his eyes scanning the pages with practiced efficiency.
He took in the revised terms, his face giving nothing away.
Hassan, however, could feel that sohow Rohan has expected this revision or maybe just a typical bargaining move, you qoute so high that even low is very high.
After a few monts, Rohan looked up, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"I see you've removed the air support and reduced the request to ground-based defenses, artillery, and anti-aircraft systems," Rohan observed, his tone asured. "That's a substantial adjustnt."
Hassan nodded. "It was a difficult decision, Pri Minister. While we recognize the strength that air support would bring, our current finances are stretched thin. The costs associated with fighter jets, not to ntion the training and infrastructure required, would put too much strain on Egypt's resources. Our priority is imdiate defense, especially on the ground."
Rohan closed the docunt, setting it on the table. "And in return, you're offering tariff reductions, opening up Egyptian markets for Indian goods, and inviting us to invest in the Aswan High Dam."
"Yes," Hassan replied, leaning forward slightly. "We believe these concessions will strengthen our economic ties and show Egypt's commitnt to a long-term partnership with India. The Aswan Dam, in particular, is a project close to President Nasser's heart. Your engineers' expertise would be invaluable to us, and your investnt would send a strong ssage to the world about the independence and resilience of post-colonial nations."
Rohan's face softened, a hint of a smile appearing. "It's a wise approach, Ambassador. President Nasser understands the need for balance, even in such trying tis. And I respect his commitnt to keeping Egypt's sovereignty intact, even in these challenging circumstances."
There was a brief silence, Hassan was waiting and looking at Rohan.
Then, almost as if he had been waiting for this mont, Rohan leaned back, his gaze steady on Hassan.
"Hassan," Rohan began, "I want you to understand sothing. India is committed to supporting Egypt in more than just material terms. We share a history of overcoming colonial rule, of standing up to foreign powers who would see us remain weak and dependent. And so, I'm willing to offer Egypt sothing more."
Hassan felt a prickling at the back of his neck, sensing that this was the mont he had been waiting for, yet not quite prepared for.
"What do you an, Pri Minister?" he asked cautiously.
Rohan's eyes sharpened, his voice dropping to a serious tone. "Your military, Ambassador. Egypt has the spirit, the will to fight, but they lack experience compared to the British and French forces. The training, the discipline, the battlefield tactics, these are areas where the Western armies still hold an advantage."
Hassan swallowed, his mind racing to keep up. "Yes… that has been a concern for us, Pri Minister. But with ti, we believe—"
Rohan raised a hand gently, interrupting him. "Ti is a luxury we don't have, Hassan. War is on the horizon. Britain and France are mobilizing, and Egypt needs to be prepared now. That's why I'm proposing that India send a battalion of experienced infantry to train alongside your forces."
The words hung in the air, heavy with aning. Hassan blinked, taken aback, his heart pounding.
They had expected this, a direct offer of military personnel, Indian soldiers on Egyptian soil.
And this complicates things for them, a answer which can change things for them in good or bad way.
"Pri Minister… you're suggesting that Indian troops train with the Egyptian Army?" His voice was barely a whisper, the shock evident.
"Yes," Rohan replied, his tone unwavering. "These aren't just instructors, Hassan. This would be a battalion of seasoned soldiers, n who have faced combat, who understand tactics, discipline, and the practical realities of warfare. They would work alongside your troops, training them in weaponry, maneuvers, and even guerrilla tactics if necessary. We won't just hand you weapons, we'll show you how to wield them effectively."
Hassan was silent, trying to understand the reality of this deal.
If what they discussed back in Cairo was true about Indian Intention then training troops is just an excuse.
All India is need is Indian troops in close proximity of battlefield and then it requires a single shot of bullet to start a new war.
But at the sa ti this was more than a alliance; it was a profound commitnt.
Indian soldiers would be on Egyptian soil, working with their forces, standing shoulder to shoulder with them.
It was a level of support that went beyond logistics and equipnt.
"Pri Minister," he began slowly, "this is… unexpected. I can't deny that it would be invaluable to us. But this is a significant escalation. I must speak with President Nasser before we can accept such an offer."
Rohan nodded, understanding that this requires the highest level of discussion.
"Of course. This decision isn't one to be made lightly. I understand that Nasser will need to consider all angles, especially with the sensitivity of foreign troops on Egyptian soil. But I urge you to make it quick. Britain and France are moving fast, and Egypt must be ready."
Hassan nodded, his face still showing traces of surprise. "I will convey your proposal to President Nasser imdiately, Pri Minister. I'm sure he'll see the wisdom in it… but the final decision, of course, rests with him."
Rohan gave a slight smile, a reassuring gesture. "Tell Nasser that this offer is a gesture of solidarity, not a bid for influence. India has no interest in controlling Egypt's affairs. We are offering you our n, our experience, because we believe that Egypt's fight is just as important as our own. This is the ti for unity among nations like ours, to stand up against old powers that refuse to let go of their colonial mindsets."
Hassan took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Thank you, Pri Minister. Your words an a great deal to us. I will return to Cairo imdiately to discuss this with President Nasser."
Rohan extended his hand, and Hassan shook it.
"Good luck, Ambassador. Let's hope that Egypt and India can stand together as equals in this fight."
As Hassan left the office, his mind was still thinking about this new Indian proposal.
The revised defense deal was already a significant achievent, but this offer of direct military support… it was unprecedented.
He could already imagine Nasser's reaction because they were able to predict this already.
For the first ti ever since Nasser speech and nationalization of Suez Canal, Hassan realise that the situation is not in the control of Egypt.
All Epgyt did was starting a Domino effect, a clash between the old and new will begun and unfortunately Egypt will beco the battlefield yet the irony is Egypt needs to fight it even harder.
The Clash between East and West was imminent but only 2 nation knew about it.
Fortunately for Egypt, India is a nuclear power and military power in the region and maybe just maybe this ti the colonial master will find themselves whipped brutally by their slaves.
As Hassan boarded the flight back to Cairo, he took a break and stopped thinking because he understood that the old players are pushing, while the new ambitious player are setting a trap.
For now back in Cairo, President Nasser awaited his return
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