Delhi – Palam Airport – March 16th, 1949

While Britian was undergoing the financial chaos, India's foreign minister officially started the 5 nations diplomatic tour. All these countries were already been informed of this, few days prior.

The sleek Lockheed Constellation gleamed in the morning sun, its tricolor insignia catching the light as ground crews completed final preparations. Krishna Menon adjusted his coat against the Delhi winter chill, reviewing his briefing papers one last time.

The aircraft would carry him on the opening leg of what the press called a "regional friendship tour," but Arjun had been characteristically precise about the real objectives.

"Afghanistan first," Arjun had said during their final meeting. "They're isolated, vulnerable, and strategically vital. The Soviets want influence there and the Americans are focused on Europe. That leaves us a window."

Menon nodded to the waiting journalists, offering carefully neutral comments about strengthening neighborly ties. As the Constellation lifted off, climbing over the northern plains toward the Hindu Kush, he settled into his seat comfortably.

Kabul, Afghanistan – Royal Palace – March 17th, 1949

The Afghan capital sprawled beneath the harsh mountains, a city caught between ancient traditions and reluctant modernization. Menon's motorcade wound through narrow streets where traditional bazaars sat alongside government buildings that seemed almost apologetic for their colonial architecture.

The Royal Palace itself embodied Afghanistan's contradictions, magnificent Persian carpets and intricate woodwork housed within walls that had witnessed countless political upheavals.

King Mohammed Zahir Shah, barely thirty-five and ruling a nation that had never been truly conquered but never quite unified, received Menon in his private audience chamber.

Prime Minister Shah Mahmud Khan sat beside the young king, his weathered face revealing nothing. Around them, senior ministers maintained the careful neutrality that had kept Afghanistan independent through decades of great power competition.

"Your Majesty," Menon began, his voice carrying the perfect balance of respect and confidence, "Prime Minister Mehra sends his warmest greetings and hopes for lasting friendship between our nations.

India's recent...expansion has made us direct neighbors, and we believe this presents unprecedented opportunities for mutual prosperity."

The king's eyes were cautious. Afghanistan had survived by playing greater powers against each other – British against Russian, later Soviet against British. Now they faced a new regional power whose intentions remained unclear.

"Minister Menon, we welcome India's friendship. Afghanistan has always valued its independence above all else. We hope India understands and respects this principle."

Menon smiled, spreading his hands in a gesture of openness. "Of course, Your Majesty. Independence is precious, India fought hard for ours. But in today's world, even the strongest nations find security through strategic partnerships.

The Soviet Union grows more assertive each year. China burns with civil war. Regional stability, once maintained by distant colonial powers, now depends on strong neighbors working together."

He paused, letting the implications settle. "India offers Afghanistan something unique – partnership without domination. We propose to restore the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, now Gandhara, trade routes that once brought prosperity to both our peoples.

These routes, disrupted by recent conflicts, could again become arteries of commerce connecting Afghanistan to the vast Indian market."

Prime Minister Khan leaned forward slightly. The trade routes were a sensitive topic – they had been Afghanistan's lifeline to the Indian Ocean before the recent India-Pakistan war severed them.

"Additionally," Menon continued, "India wishes to support Afghanistan's educational development. We propose establishing Indian Science and Technology Schools throughout your nation, providing modern education to Afghan children regardless of their background. This represents our commitment to Afghanistan's long-term prosperity."

The king exchanged glances with his prime minister. The offers were substantial, but the price was unclear.

Menon sensed their hesitation. "In return, we seek only Afghanistan's friendship and a modest favor, a designated trade corridors allowing Indian merchants to conduct commerce with the Soviet Union and Central Asia.

This would bring Afghanistan substantial transit revenues while serving India's economic interests."

"These are...generous proposals," the king said carefully. "But Afghanistan has learned to be cautious of generous proposals from powerful neighbors."

Menon's expression remained understanding, even sympathetic. "Your caution is wise, Your Majesty. India has no desire to dominate Afghanistan. We gain nothing from it. Instead, we seek mutually beneficial partnership.

Consider the alternatives: Soviet influence from the north comes with ideological strings. As for UK, I think it's better to forget about them. And finally, American interest focuses on global strategy, not Afghan prosperity."

He leaned forward slightly. "India offers something different. We share cultural heritage. And understand the value of independence. Most importantly, we have the economic strength to make our partnerships truly beneficial rather than exploitative."

The room fell silent as the Afghan leaders absorbed this.

Menon had skillfully framed the choice, not between independence and alignment, but between different types of alignment. He was offering the least threatening option while making clear that complete isolation was no longer viable.

King Zahir Shah finally spoke. "Your proposals merit serious consideration, Minister Menon. The restoration of Khyber trade routes would indeed benefit our people.

Educational support is always welcome, in fact, we are actually looking for means to further out technological and educational sector. And transit revenues could strengthen our economy."

Prime Minister Khan nodded slowly. "We accept these terms for cooperation, with the understanding that Afghanistan's sovereignty remains absolute."

Menon smiled genuinely. "Naturally, Prime Minister. Like I said, India seeks partners, not vassals."

The formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed that afternoon, witnessed by both nations' senior officials. The document outlined trade route restoration, educational cooperation, and transit arrangements in carefully neutral diplomatic language.

Kabul – Afghan Ministry of Education – Later That Evening

After the public ceremonies concluded, Menon met privately with Education Minister Najib Ullah. The discussion focused on practical implementation of the educational initiatives.

"Our educational specialists will arrive within weeks," Menon explained. "They're experienced in establishing schools in challenging environments and will work closely with local officials to ensure cultural sensitivity."

Ullah nodded approvingly. "Afghanistan needs modern education desperately. Our children deserve every opportunity."

What neither he nor most Afghan officials realized was that Menon's "educational specialists" had been carefully selected by RAW. Linguists fluent in Dari and Pashto, cultural experts with deep knowledge of Afghan traditions, and intelligence operatives trained in long-term influence operations.

Their mission would be patient and subtle, building genuine educational institutions while quietly identifying and cultivating future Afghan leaders who viewed India favorably.

Delhi – Prime Minister's Office – March 19th, 1949

Two days later, Menon's encrypted report reached Arjun's desk. The formal diplomatic success was significant, but the real value lay in the foundations being established.

"Afghanistan accepted our terms completely," Menon had written. "The trade routes will bind their economy to ours within two years. Educational initiatives provide perfect cover for long-term influence operations. Most importantly, they now see India as their best option among several challenging alternatives."

Arjun set down the report, satisfied. Afghanistan represented the first link in a chain of influence he intended to forge across South and Central Asia. Unlike the crude domination practiced by colonial powers, India would build relationships based on genuine mutual benefit and covert infiltration.

The game was proceeding exactly as planned. Afghanistan would prosper under Indian partnership, but that prosperity would come with invisible strings that would gradually draw them deeper into India's sphere.

By the time they fully understood the extent of their dependence, it would be too late to extract themselves without significant cost.

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