A New India

Half Hour later a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

Rohan looked up, adjusting his glasses. "Come in."

The door opened, and Rao entered, his expression unreadable, his posture as disciplined as ever.

He closed the door behind him and walked toward the chair across from Rohan, placing a thick folder on the table.

"It's been days," Rohan said, his voice even. "Tell me everything."

Rao nodded, unfastening his coat and settling into the chair.

He opened the folder and flipped to the first page. "Phase One has been executed as planned. No exposure, no leaks. We've gathered significant intelligence, made our first moves, and positioned ourselves well for the next stage."

Rohan took a sip of tea, his gaze fixed on Rao. "Start from the beginning. I want every detail."

Rao adjusted his glasses and flipped to the next section. "Our operatives have successfully infiltrated the Tibetan leadership narrative. Sudhir's team has confirmed that the rift between the Dalai Lama's Kashag and the younger monks is growing. The older generation prefers a diplomatic, slow-burning resistance, but the younger monks are increasingly frustrated with inaction."

Rohan nodded, rubbing his chin. "That was expected. And the Panchen Lama?"

"Exactly as we suspected," Rao replied. "He's being openly courted by Beijing, attending government functions, and speaking in favor of infrastructure projects. However, what's more important is how this is being received. There is growing unease among the Tibetans, particularly in Shigatse, where his influence is strongest."

Rohan leaned back in his chair. "So, we have an opportunity."

"We do," Rao confirmed. "Sudhir has initiated subtle information campaigns through exile groups, making people question the Panchen Lama's alignment with Beijing. We've framed it carefully not an outright attack, just enough to make Tibetans wonder if he's compromising their identity."

Rohan smirked slightly. "Doubt is more powerful than accusations. If they start questioning him on their own, Beijing loses credibility."

Rao flipped another page. "Aarti's operation is proceeding well. The Chinese have intensified their efforts to erase Tibetan culture mandating Mandarin in schools, restricting religious practices, and increasing surveillance in monasteries. However, their heavy-handed approach is backfiring. There is resentment brewing."

"And what's our move?" Rohan asked.

"We're using cultural resistance," Rao explained. "Through local organisations in Nepal and India, we've started funding Tibetan cultural festivals, especially the Losar festival. The goal is to strengthen their identity and ensure their traditions don't fade under Chinese pressure."

Rohan nodded approvingly. "Good. When a people's culture is under attack, it becomes their greatest weapon. And the monasteries?"

"The monasteries remain under tight surveillance," Rao said, his tone serious. "But they are still key centers of resistance. The monks continue to pass messages and coordinate with exile groups. We've identified a few key figures within the monasteries who could be allies."

Rohan tapped his fingers on the desk. "Make sure we vet them thoroughly before approaching. We can't afford infiltration from the other side."

Rao flipped to the next section. "Arjun's team has been gathering intelligence on Chinese infrastructure projects. The highway construction is progressing faster than anticipated, particularly in the Nagqu region. However, their logistics remain a weak point."

Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Explain."

"The supply chains are stretched thin," Rao said. "They rely on a few key hubs for fuel, equipment, and rations. Arjun and his operatives, posing as traders, managed to scout one such depot near Nagqu. It's a crucial node for their operations."

"Could it be disrupted?" Rohan asked.

Rao hesitated. "Not yet. Phase One is about intelligence gathering, not direct action. But we now know where their vulnerabilities lie. If we need to act in Phase Two, we have the knowledge to do so."

Rohan nodded. "I want all options on the table. If we need to slow them down, we should be ready."

Rao's expression hardened as he moved to the next section. "Priya has established indirect contact with CIA operatives in Nepal. They're already involved in supporting elements of the Tibetan resistance, though they are cautious about committing fully."

Rohan sighed. "Typical. They want results without responsibility."

"Exactly," Rao said. "For now, we're keeping them engaged by feeding them useful intelligence Chinese troop movements, infrastructure progress, and growing resistance sentiment. We're ensuring they remain invested while maintaining our distance."

Rohan tapped the desk thoughtfully. "We need to make sure they don't take control of the situation. If they see an opening, they'll claim this as their own."

Rao smirked. "That's why Priya is monitoring them closely. We control the flow of information. They'll follow our lead without realizing it."

Rao turned to the final section. "Karan's signals intelligence work has yielded important insights. The Chinese military presence in Tibet is increasing, but they are facing logistical challenges altitude sickness among troops, supply shortages, and difficulties in securing some of the more remote areas."

Rohan's expression darkened. "That means they'll tighten their grip."

"They already are," Rao confirmed. "However, their propaganda isn't working as well as they'd like. We've intercepted multiple transmissions discussing Tibetan resistance growing stronger in certain areas."

Rohan took a deep breath. "They're feeling the pressure, then."

"Yes," Rao replied. "And that's precisely what we need. If they become more aggressive, the resistance will have more fuel."

Rohan leaned back in his chair, absorbing the information. "We've made progress, but this is just the beginning. What's your assessment?"

Rao closed the folder. "We've laid a strong foundation. The Tibetan resistance is growing, Beijing is showing cracks, and we have the intelligence needed for Phase Two."

Rohan folded his hands. "I want Phase Two planned carefully. No unnecessary risks, no reckless moves. The goal is long-term destabilization, not immediate action."

Rao nodded. "I'll assemble the team tomorrow to discuss the next steps."

As Rao stood up, Rohan looked at him with a rare flicker of something close to satisfaction. "You've done good work, Rao."

Rao smirked slightly. "That's why you hired me, sir."

As Rao exited the room, Rohan turned his gaze back to the map on his desk.

The game had begun, and the pieces were moving exactly as he had planned.