Delhi – Prime Minister's Office, South Block – April 8th, 1949
The morning sun was streaming through Arjun's office windows, lighting up the usual mess of reports on his desk. But right now he was waiting for news about something completely different.
The secure cable next to Arjun's office came to life. Without wasting any time, Arjun entered the room and grabbed it on the first ring.
"Prime Minister," Krishna Menon's voice came through from London, sounding pretty pleased with himself, "Multhopp's agreed to come work for us."
Arjun felt that familiar rush of satisfaction when a plan actually worked out. He barely had any sleep last night, but it seems everything if fine now. "What finally convinced him?"
"Well, he was skeptical at first, like we figured he'd be. Kept going on about India not having the right industrial setup, questioning whether we could really support advanced research.
You know, the usual doubts. But Ghante handled it perfectly. He showed Multhopp that Area Rule research, presented it as original work his team had been doing under your guidance."
Arjun leaned back in his chair, smiling slightly. Ghante had pulled off his part exactly right.
"The guy's reaction was something else," Menon continued. "He just stared at those papers for the longest time, kept muttering about how it was impossible, how the research was decades ahead of anything he'd seen.
You could practically see his mind racing, trying to figure out how we'd managed such a breakthrough. He knew it was the kind of fundamental advance that could solve problems he'd been stuck on for years."
"And that sealed the deal?"
"Pretty much. I mean, we offered him all the standard stuff too. Complete academic freedom, unlimited research budgets, the chance to build an aerospace program from scratch. But it was really that research that got him.
He realized neither the Americans nor the Soviets could offer him anything like that kind of theoretical leap forward. He's planning to move to India in the next few weeks, maybe by the end of May."
Arjun nodded, already thinking about what came next. "Keep it quiet if you can, though I doubt the Americans won't notice when one of their potential recruits suddenly disappears to India. Make sure Ghante knows he'll be Multhopp's main contact once he gets here."
"Got it. Oh, and Multhopp asked specifically about research facilities. He wants to know what kind of experimental setup he'll have to work with."
"Tell him we can discuss that when he gets here. Just ensure him that in near future, he'll have better facilities than what he's got now. And within couple of years, he'll have equipment that makes his current lab look primitive."
Arjun hung up and felt that good kind of tired that comes after pulling off something difficult. Multhopp represented years of practical aerospace experience that India just couldn't develop on its own anytime soon.
With his expertise, even though the Ashoka Group wouldn't be directly involved with him, the embedded engineers under him can utilize the experience and skills in aerospace work, and work on a secret jet in parallel, within the Ashoka Group.
That's right, Arjun didn't actually want to reveal the existence of Ashoka Group to Multhopp, rather, he was thinking of setting him up in HAL. So, he'll be working along with Ghante and half of the Ashoka Group aerospace sector engineers under cover, acting as new recruits of HAL.
Through that, him and HAL can build his version of jet, modified by 'Ghante's inputs and ideas', and in parallel, Ashoka Group will build a true supersonic jet in shadows, and will finally reveal it by late 50s.
Not to mention, he would poach Kurt Tank as well by 1955, just like in original timeline.
He glanced at the map of India on his wall, mentally adding up how this would speed up their development plans. Getting Multhopp was another big step toward real technological independence.
London – India House & British Treasury – 8th April 1949
While Arjun was doing all the planning, another scene was happening in the India House, in Britain.
Inside, the India's High Commissioner to Britian, Raghunath Narasinha sat across from a delegation of British Treasury and Board of Trade officials.
The mood was noticeably cooler than their earlier negotiations. The British officials looked tired, still smarting from India's recent economic policies that had caught them off guard.
Narasinha spread out the documents he'd received from Delhi. The list was extensive and highly specific. "Gentlemen, as agreed in Finance Minister Kelkar's earlier negotiations, India expects prompt delivery of goods and technical expertise to offset Britain's sterling debt.
Prime Minister Mehra has personally reviewed this procurement list. These aren't general industrial items. We need high-precision scientific instruments for our national development programs."
Mr. Davies from the Treasury looked genuinely puzzled as he scanned the list. "Sir, this is quite detailed. Interferometers for micron-level measurement? Advanced electron microscopes? High-grade gauge blocks? These aren't typical export items. Some are produced in very limited quantities, and honestly, the demand is usually quite specialized."
Narasinha nodded. "Exactly, Mr. Davies. India is building modern research capabilities, not just basic industry. We're establishing premier institutes like the expanded IISc and the new IITs. Our universities need these instruments to train the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers."
He paused, then continued more deliberately. "We'll also need the advanced military-grade versions of these instruments, not just the basic laboratory models. Our research programs require the highest precision available."
Sir Edward Bridges, the senior Treasury official, leaned forward with obvious concern. "Mr. High Commissioner, let's be direct here. Many of these advanced instruments have clear dual-use applications. Military applications. You're asking for precision equipment that could support weapons development programs."
Narasinha met his gaze steadily. "Sir Edward, India is building a modern scientific establishment. We're a responsible member of the Security Council, committed to peace and development under our democratic constitution. Advanced scientific instruments serve multiple purposes in any modern economy."
He shifted slightly, choosing his words carefully.
"As for military concerns, let's be realistic. India currently lacks the entire industrial ecosystem for advanced weapons production. A few high-precision instruments won't create a military program overnight.
That kind of development would take decades of sustained effort, even if we attempted it. Right now, our priority is academic research and industrial precision. We need advanced versions because basic laboratory equipment simply can't push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible."
Then Narasinha delivered the incentive Arjun had authorized.
"Prime Minister Mehra recognizes Britain's industrial capabilities. India needs these items urgently. Therefore, we're prepared to pay double the standard cost for all items, provided they're delivered by the end of May. This demonstrates both our commitment and the premium we place on swift delivery."
The British officials exchanged glances. The offer was substantial, especially given their current financial pressures and the reduced influence they now held over Indian economic policy. They needed the revenue, and their industries needed the orders.
Bridges tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the table. "Mr. High Commissioner, these are significant terms. The expedited timeline, the premium payment, and frankly, the strategic implications.
I'll need to consult with the Chancellor and the Board of Trade immediately. This requires high-level government discussion."
A week later, the formal response arrived at India House. The diplomatic language was polite but firm. Britain acknowledged India's scientific ambitions and expressed willingness to continue cooperation.
However, due to "strategic export controls" and "limited production capacity," certain items were denied outright.
The military-grade systems were completely refused. Other dual-use items like interferometers, gauge blocks, and specialized centrifuges would only be supplied in their basic "laboratory-grade" versions, not the enhanced specifications India had requested.
Delhi – Prime Minister's Office, South Block – Mid-April 1949
The British response reached Arjun's desk like a calculated snub. He read through the diplomatic language, his expression remaining neutral, but his fingers drummed steadily against the wood.
He'd expected some resistance, but the outright refusal of advanced equipment was a direct attempt to limit India's technological development. Looks like they still haven't changed their mentality.
He pressed the intercom. "Please ask Minister Kelkar and Minister Pant to come see me."
When both ministers arrived, Arjun slid the British note across his desk. "Gentlemen, it seems Britain's cooperation has its boundaries. They're willing to take our money for basic equipment, but they'll actively block our access to truly advanced technology.
They have refused to supply what we actually need right now."
Kelkar looked grim as he finished reading. "This will significantly delay our precision manufacturing programs."
Arjun's voice remained controlled, but there was steel underneath. "Which we cannot accept. Technological dependence is a vulnerability we won't tolerate any longer, especially in strategic sectors. We'll procure these items elsewhere."
He turned to Pant. "Immediately contact Swedish and Swiss manufacturers. They're neutral nations whose interests are economic, not geopolitical. They can supply what Britain refuses. Find out costs and delivery timelines."
Then he addressed Kelkar, his instructions precise and firm. "As for Britain, we're not letting this pass quietly. Issue a formal directive canceling the procurement arrangement.
Inform the British Treasury that India demands immediate settlement of the remaining sterling debt, all £382 million, to be paid in full by the end of April."
Arjun's gaze hardened. "Make it clear that failure to comply will result in punitive tariffs on British imports to India. Let them choose: pay their debt immediately, or watch their market access to the entire subcontinent get severely restricted.
We need to show them that obstructing India's development costs more than they can afford."
As the other ministers left the office, Arjun leaned back in his chair, already considering the next moves.
Some frustration can be seen in his eyes. Although he ensured Brits see the uncompromising response of India, it was a double-edged blade.
It might not look much damaging to India on the surface, but it'll have disastrous consequences when it comes to foreign investors and other investing nations.
Which is why he doesn't actually intend to follow through these measures. It was a posture, not a policy. All he could do now was hope that the British would not call his bluff.
'Sigh...we're just too weak right now. All I need is just a decade more. Yes, a decade'
Arjun sighed as he looked outside the window of his office.