A New India

The conference room at the R&AW headquarters was dim.

Rao stood at the head of the polished wooden table, his eyes scanning the five operatives seated before him India's most trusted and skilled intelligence officers on Tibet.

(R&AW has many experts and operative depending on their expertise. A expert on Tibet will handle the Tibet Desk, experts on China will handle China Desk so on and on.)

Each had been handpicked for their expertise, their ability to operate without leaving a trace, and their unwavering commitment to the mission.

This was the kind of silence Rao expected focused, disciplined, professional.

Rao looked at them for a moment before speaking. "What we are about to discuss does not leave this room. The stakes are too high. If even a whisper of this reaches the wrong ears, it won't just be the operation that collapses it'll be our credibility, our position in the region, and possibly even the safety of this nation."

He straightened, glancing at the map. "The situation in Tibet is deteriorating. Beijing is tightening its control, constructing highways that will allow them to mobilize troops faster than we've seen before. This isn't just infrastructure. It's a threat, a strategic noose tightening around our neck."

He paused, scanning their faces. "We're going to stop it. Quietly. No fanfare, no headlines. Just results."

He turned to Sudhir, seated to his left. "You're first. What do we know about the leadership in Tibet?"

Sudhir flipped open his notebook, scanning the lines quickly. "The Dalai Lama is, of course, central. His influence is absolute among the Tibetan people. But he's young, and his advisors play significant roles in shaping policy and resistance strategies. The monasteries Sera, Drepung, and Ganden are critical hubs of political and spiritual activity. They're more than religious institutions; they're centers of influence."

Rao nodded. "Focus on the advisors. Names, roles, relationships. I want to know who whispers in the Dalai Lama's ear and who holds sway in the monasteries."

Sudhir made a note, then looked up. "The Panchen Lama is a potential weak link. He's seen as a rival figure by some, and there's credible intelligence that Beijing is courting him."

Rao's eyes narrowed. "If they're using the Panchen Lama to sow division, we need to know. Monitor his movements, his statements, anything that suggests he's aligning with the Chinese."

Sudhir hesitated, then asked, "Do we exploit this division or try to heal it?"

"We exploit it," Rao said firmly. "But subtly. Plant seeds of doubt among the Tibetan people about the Panchen Lama's intentions. Let them believe he's compromised, but ensure it looks like their realization, not our interference."

Rao turned to Aarti, seated across the table. "Aarti, your focus is on the cultural and religious dynamics. The Chinese are attacking Tibetan identity. How are they doing it?"

Aarti pushed her glasses up her nose, her tone measured. "They're imposing Mandarin in schools, replacing Tibetan texts with state-approved versions. Monasteries are under constant surveillance, and their incomes are being strangled. Traditional festivals are being regulated or banned outright."

Rao folded his arms, considering this. "Where does the resistance lie? What traditions or symbols can rally the Tibetan people?"

"Tibetan Buddhism itself," Aarti replied. "Their rituals, their art, their music these are deeply ingrained in their identity. The more the Chinese suppress them, the stronger the resentment grows."

"Good," Rao said. "Focus on identifying these rallying points. If we can help preserve or amplify them, we'll strengthen the resistance."

He turned to Arjun next. "What about the geography? The infrastructure?"

Arjun leaned forward, tapping a pen against the table. "The terrain is their greatest weakness. The Himalayas are unforgiving steep passes, extreme weather, and limited local resources. The highways they're building are ambitious, but they're vulnerable. Landslides, snowfall, and supply chain issues will slow them down."

Rao nodded. "What about the infrastructure itself? Are there key points we can exploit?"

"The logistical hubs," Arjun replied. "The Chinese will need supply depots, repair stations, and staging areas for troops. If we identify these and disrupt them, it'll cripple their operations."

"Identify them first," Rao said. "We'll talk about disruption later."

Priya, who had been quietly listening, spoke next without prompting. "And what about international involvement? The Dalai Lama has been appealing to the United Nations. The Americans have shown interest in supporting Tibetan resistance in the past."

Rao turned to her, his expression serious. "The CIA will have its own agenda. If we involve them, it has to be on our terms. Can you establish contact?"

"Yes," Priya said confidently. "I have channels through Kathmandu and Geneva. The Dalai Lama's representatives frequently meet with Western diplomats there. I can position us as facilitators, but not directly involved."

"Good," Rao said. "But be cautious. The Americans are opportunistic. Don't give them more than we take."

Finally, Rao addressed Karan, the youngest member of the team but a specialist in communications and signal intelligence. "Karan, what are we picking up from the Chinese?"

Karan adjusted his headphones, which hung around his neck. "We've intercepted low-frequency radio transmissions from their military outposts in Tibet. It's basic encryption we're decoding it slowly, but it's yielding results. Their logistics are stretched thin, and there's growing discontent among the troops stationed in high-altitude areas."

"Expand the surveillance network," Rao instructed. "Focus on troop movements, supply routes, and propaganda broadcasts. If we can counter their narrative, it'll destabilize their hold over the region."

Karan nodded. "Understood. I'll also monitor their civilian broadcasts. It'll give us insight into how they're managing public perception."

Rao took a step back, looking at the team as a whole. "This is not just an intelligence-gathering mission. It's about shaping a resistance, destabilizing China's control, and ensuring India's strategic interests. Every move must be invisible. No written records, no leaks. You operate as shadows."

As they prepared to leave, Rao added,

"Report to me in person every three days. No exceptions. This operation will define our role in the region. Let's ensure it's a success."

As the operatives left,Rao stayed behind, his eyes fixed on the map of Tibet.