A New India

The dim light of the desk lamp illuminated Rohan's study as he sat in his chair.

It was past midnight, and the city outside was silent, but Rohan's mind raced with thoughts of the reports piling up on his desk.

Even with him strengthening India, the world was once again following the same chain of history.

The ringing of the secure phone on his desk broke the quiet.

He leaned forward and picked it up, his voice steady despite the late hour. "Rao, I need you to come to my residence immediately."

"Yes, Prime Minister," came the calm reply from the other end. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Rao arrived promptly, his posture as composed as ever despite the hour.

He entered Rohan's study, where the Prime Minister greeted him with a nod, motioning for him to sit.

A steaming cup of tea awaited him, a gesture Rohan often used to put his closest confidants at ease.

Rohan broke the silence. "Rao, I've been going through the latest reports. Let's start with the situation in the United States. How is the movement progressing?"

Rao placed his briefcase on the floor and pulled out a folder, flipping it open. "Prime Minister, the civil rights movement is gaining momentum. The recent protests have drawn national attention, and the leadership particularly Martin Luther King Jr. is galvanizing people like never before. However, the situation is becoming volatile. Tensions between the activists and local authorities are escalating. If this trend continues, we could see widespread chaos within weeks or months."

Rohan nodded, leaning back in his chair. "And what about the efforts we've undertaken to amplify these tensions?"

Rao's expression turned serious. "Our operations are progressing as planned. Through indirect channels, we've managed to discreetly funnel resources to sympathetic groups, ensuring that their efforts have more reach. The unrest is spreading, but our involvement remains undetected."

Rohan tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Good. But we need to ensure it stays that way. The last thing we need is any connection back to us. The United States is a powerhouse, and an internal crisis there could shift global dynamics in our favor."

Rohan reached for another folder, one marked with the seal of the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

He slid it across the desk to Rao. "There's another matter we need to discuss, one that's closer to home."

Rao picked up the folder and opened it, scanning the contents.

His eyes widened slightly as he absorbed the information.

"China," he murmured.

"Yes," Rohan said, his voice measured. "Our intelligence has uncovered plans for a major infrastructure project in Tibet. They're building highways that could facilitate rapid troop movement. If this is completed, it would give China a significant strategic advantage along our northern borders."

Rao's brow furrowed as he considered the implications. "This changes the entire dynamic of our border security. They're fortifying their position while keeping us distracted with diplomatic gestures."

"Exactly," Rohan said, leaning forward. "We can't allow this to go unchecked. But confronting them directly would be unwise. The world is watching, and we can't afford to appear aggressive. So, we need to work from the shadows."

Rao's eyes met Rohan's, his expression resolute. "You want us to support the Tibetans."

Rohan nodded. "Quietly, yes. The Tibetan resistance against Chinese control is already there. We need to provide them with the means to keep that resistance alive and to grow it."

Rao set the folder down, his mind already working through the logistics. "This will require extreme caution, Prime Minister. Supporting the Tibetans openly would provoke Beijing. But covert operations come with their own risks. If we're exposed…"

Rohan cut him off. "That's why you're the best person for this, Rao. You understand the stakes, and you know how to move without leaving a trace."

Rao leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering. "What kind of support are we talking about? Arms? Intelligence? Funds?"

"Primarily intelligence and resources," Rohan said. "We can't openly arm them, but we can ensure they have the tools and information they need to disrupt China's plans. And Rao…"

He paused, his voice growing firmer. "You're not alone in this. There's an ally we can rely on."

Rao's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Who?"

"The CIA," Rohan replied.

Rao exhaled slowly, understanding the complexity of the situation. "The Americans would be willing to help the Tibetans, especially if it means countering Chinese influence. But working with the CIA comes with its own challenges. They'll have their own agenda."

Rohan nodded. "Of course. The Americans rarely do anything without a motive. But in this case, our interests align. They want to curb China's power, and so do we. If we play this right, we can use their resources without becoming entangled in their broader plans."

Rao considered this for a moment before speaking. "It's a calculated risk. The Tibetans could become a valuable ally if we support them effectively. But we'll need to establish secure communication channels and ensure that nothing links us directly to the resistance."

"Also Rao," Rohan spoke

"The Tibetans revere the Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. His influence over his people is unmatched. But there's an opportunity here that we haven't fully explored."

Rao his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "You're referring to the Dalai Lama's position on the Chinese government, Prime Minister?"

"Precisely," Rohan said, leaning forward. "The Chinese are trying to consolidate their hold over Tibet. But if we subtly encourage the idea that the current Chinese government is dishonoring their historical relationship with Tibet, we can widen the rift."

Rao nodded, his mind already working through the implications. "We could start by amplifying the perception that the Chinese are undermining the Dalai Lama's authority. Spread whispers that the Panchen Lama is growing too close to Beijing."

Rohan's lips curled into a faint smile. "Exactly. The Tibetans have a long history of viewing the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama as complementary, but any hint of division between them could sow doubt among the people. We need to make them question whether the Panchen Lama is being manipulated by the Chinese."

Rao tapped his pen against the table thoughtfully. "We could use our cultural and religious scholars to amplify this narrative through Tibetan exiles and international Buddhist communities. Plant stories that suggest Beijing is rewriting Tibet's traditions for political gain."

"And emphasize," Rohan added, "that the current Chinese government is eroding the legacy of the Qing Dynasty's respectful relationship with Tibetan leaders. Frame it as a betrayal of their own history."

Rao smirked slightly. "A betrayal by their own government. Clever. It plays directly into their sense of heritage and identity."

"But tread carefully, Rao," Rohan cautioned, his tone firm. "This must never trace back to us. Use intermediaries, independent scholars, and exiled Tibetan groups. Let them carry the message."

Rao met Rohan's gaze, his voice steady. "I understand, Prime Minister. We'll make sure the seeds are sown quietly. If handled correctly, this could galvanize the Tibetan resistance and make Beijing's hold over Tibet much harder to maintain."

Rohan leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Let's get to work."