A New India

Chapter 109: Reaction of the world

February 24, 1953, The world was ready to witness the much-anticipated French nuclear test set for February 25.

Intelligence communities were buzzing, eyes glued to France's preparations. But in the vast, quiet desert of Pokhran, India had just detonated a bomb that shaked the world.

The geopolitical landscape was unprepared for the news, leaving major powers scrambling to respond, their attention pulled sharply from France's efforts to India's sudden nuclear success.

As the news spread, governments across the globe reacted with shock and concern. India had achieved what they had all believed was years away. Now, the world had to reckon with a new nuclear power.

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Washington, D.C. - The White House Situation Room

The Situation Room in Washington was in chaos. Phones rang, advisors rushed in and out with reports in hand, and the President paced back and forth, frustration and disbelief etched across his face.

"India?" the President said, his voice rising. "How did this happen under our noses?"

CIA Director John Foster Dulles, usually a calm presence, looked shaken as he explained the oversight. "Mr. President, we were focused on France. All of our assets were watching French preparations for their test tomorrow. India's civilian nuclear program has been known for some time, but we didn't anticipate them going this far, this fast."

The President slammed his fist on the table, making the papers jump. "I can't believe we missed this. We helped them with their nuclear energy program under the assumption it was for peaceful purposes. And now, they've turned it into this, a full-fledged nuclear bomb. We need to do something, this has changed the dynamics of Asia fully.

First Nepal and now this, if we let them continue no sooner will we see another superpower in Asia.

The Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, leaned forward, trying to bring calm to the room. "Mr. President, this complicates things, but it doesn't mean we've lost India. We have to think very carefully. India has been balancing between us and the Soviets. Pushing them now could drive them straight into Moscow's arms.

But to counter Indian's growing Influence we can start doing something that can kill 2 bird with single stone

"and what is that?"

"Supporting pakistan, we have recieved intelligence that shows something big is about to happen in Middle East and by supporting pakistan we are not only countering India but also solidifying our position in middle East and will be able to supply and help Isreal more easily"

The President rubbed his temple "Yes this is a far better option then doing sanction because sanction will directly push them towards Soviet, a Nucelar India as Soviet ally will threaten our interest in Indian Ocean"

The Secretary of Defense, Robert Lovett, spoke up. "The test shows India is no longer just a regional player. This nuclear capability means they'll have to be treated as a global power. The balance of power in Asia just shifted."

The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation sunk in.

The President exhaled, shaking his head. "We need a statement. Something that acknowledges their right to defend themselves but makes it clear we don't support nuclear proliferation. Also put pressure on India but make sure not to overdo it, they are Nucelar power now"

"Understood," Acheson replied. "I'll draft it immediately."

As the room began to move again, the President's voice cut through the noise. "And make sure we're keeping a close eye on Moscow. If Stalin sees this as an opportunity to win India over, we need to be ready."

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Paris, Élysée Palace

The mood inside the Élysée Palace was one of shock and bitterness.

France had been ready to make a historic announcement tomorrow, expecting to bask in global attention as the newest nuclear power. But now, India had stolen it.

The French President paced angrily across his office, his aides standing nervously to the side.

"How could this happen?" the President fumed. "India has upstaged us at the very moment we were about to demonstrate our own nuclear capability!"

His defense minister spoke cautiously, trying to calm him. "Monsieur le Président, we were all focused on our own test. India's rapid development wasn't on anyone's radar, not ours, not the Americans. We underestimated their capability."

"Underestimated? We're now the second story, the afterthought!" the President shot back. "Our test was supposed to make headlines across the world, but now, now we will be following in India's footsteps. They have used us and played everyone, while everyone was focused on us they used that window to reach success"

His foreign minister stepped forward. "Monsieur, India's test may have taken us by surprise, but we must control the narrative. Tomorrow, we'll proceed with our test, but we must shift the messaging.

We cannot condemn India otherwise there will be protest against us also, so what we need to do is just comment about how this situation of India must be looked carefully and what is happening in their county, with all the political instability is this a right choice?"

The President stopped pacing, considering his words. "Yes… we can't appear as though we've lost control. Issue a statement condemning India's actions, but subtly. We'll say their test could spark instability in Asia, and their political stability is something that concern us more"

He turned to his defense minister. "We go ahead with our test as planned. The world will still pay attention, and we'll make sure they remember that France is the responsible power here."

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Moscow, The Kremlin

In Moscow, the news of India's nuclear test had spread rapidly.

Stalin, already in poor health, sat in a small room surrounded by his closest advisors. His normally piercing eyes looked weary, but his mind was as sharp as ever.

Despite his declining health, Stalin saw opportunity in India's sudden rise to nuclear power.

An aide leaned over to whisper the latest update. "Comrade Stalin, India has successfully tested a nuclear device. The Americans are stunned."

Stalin's expression didn't change, but a flicker of interest passed across his face. "India has moved quickly. They have declared themselves a global power, and they did it before the Americans could respond."

The foreign minister cleared his throat. "India's relationship with the United States is already complex. This nuclear test will likely strain it further. We can use this, Comrade Stalin."

Stalin nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities.

His voice, though weakened, was still commanding. "Let the Americans overreact. India is proud, and they won't tolerate being pushed. If they feel isolated, we offer them support."

One of Stalin's military advisors spoke up. "Their growing influence will affect our position with China as well. India's growing power will destabilize the balance in Asia."

Stalin's breath came in labored intervals, but he waved off the concern. "China has been trying to establish themselves as the leading power of Communist, I don't know what Mao think of himself that he feels he is ready to challenge us. India's rise is a challenge, but also an opportunity. Watch them carefully. If the Americans make a mistake, we step in."

His coughing fit interrupted the meeting, and an aide rushed forward with water. Stalin waved him off, his gaze still fixed on the map of Asia laid out before him.

"Keep monitoring the situation. We can turn this to our advantage."

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Beijing, Zhongnanhai

In Beijing, Chairman Mao had already been concerned about the growing tensions with India.

Their recent border disputes had escalated, especially after Nepal's merger with India, which had solidified India's power in the region and increased its strategic leverage.

Now, with India detonating a nuclear bomb, Mao's concerns had grown into something far more pressing.

"This complicates everything," Mao said, his face cold as he listened to his military advisors. "India is now a nuclear power, and they've shown it at a time when we are still still dealing with problems in Tibet and internal battles."

One of the generals leaned forward. "Chairman Mao, this changes the balance of power in Asia. India's nuclear test is not just a message to the West, it's a direct challenge to China."

Mao's eyes narrowed. "India's actions are reckless. The border disputes have already strained our relationship, and this test is meant to send a signal to us, not just the world."

The Foreign Minister stepped forward. "We must be very carefully. India's rise threatens our regional dominance, but a direct confrontation would be dangerous. The Americans and Soviets will be watching, and we cannot afford to isolate ourselves. But we cannot let India believe they can threaten us. Not to mention that if we are dealing with Internal problems they are not immune to it as well.

They have suffered a lot due to cracking down on Secret societies, you can even say they have suffered the most unlike us who slowly and steadily gathered power and took control"

Mao stood, his gaze fierce. "They have made their move. Now, we must show strength. Increase our military presence along the border, but do it quietly. We will not let them forget that China is not to be intimidated."

The room fell silent as Mao paced, his mind racing. India's nuclear test had changed the game, but China would not sit idly by.

The conflict between the two nations had just entered a new, more dangerous phase.

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London, 10 Downing Street

In London, the Prime Minister sat in his office, reading through the reports that had just arrived.

India's nuclear test had taken everyone by surprise, and the British government was no exception.

For a country still working through the end of its empire, this sudden shift in power was not very comfortable for them, even if they tried to normalise relationship with India, a strong India is not what they want.

The Foreign Secretary, seated across from the Prime Minister, broke the silence. "India has just changed the course of global politics. Their test wasn't just about showing strength, it was about showing independence from us, from the Americans, from the Soviets."

The Prime Minister sighed. "We knew this day might come, but not so soon. They were part of our empire not so long ago, and now they've surpassed us in military power."

The Foreign Secretary nodded. "Yes, but we must respond carefully. If we criticize them too harshly, we risk damaging our already strained relationship with India. They've been growing closer to both Washington and Moscow, and we can't afford to push them away. But we can't let them grow this easily we must find some counter which i believe is also what Americans might be thinking."

"Okay contact the Americans on this, we both will lead operations to counter India while maintaining good relationship with them"

The Prime Minister then leaned back in his chair, considering the options.

"Also issue a statement of acknowledgment, but emphasize the importance of responsible nuclear policy. We cannot be seen as antagonistic, but we also cannot appear weak."

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1953, India has now Embarked on a Path never did it ever thought of.