Negotiations with the British (Part II)

Seeing that Colonel W.L. Webb had finally come to the main topic of negotiation, Karan remained calm. He knew this was the critical moment that would determine the future of Kashmir's infrastructure and industry. Webb was an experienced negotiator, but Karan had come well-prepared.

Colonel Webb: leaning forward "You've presented a compelling argument, young prince. But tell me, how exactly do you plan to involve British India in this project while ensuring your own control?"

Karan: smiling slightly "The construction materials, particularly tar, will be imported from British India. Additionally, we will employ senior engineers and skilled labor from British India to assist with the cement factory and hydroelectric projects. To ensure British cooperation, we propose the following terms:"

Karan: "For the cement factory, we will allocate 15% ownership to British India and 5% to you personally, Colonel Webb, as a token of goodwill. However, in exchange, British India must provide 15% of the total investment cost for construction. Your 5% share will be a gift, with no investment required from your side. The remaining 80% of the factory will remain under our control."

Karan: "Furthermore, in the future, if we wish to buy back 20% of the shares, British India must sell it to us at a fair market price."

Colonel Webb: raising an eyebrow "Interesting. And what about the toll collection for the road?"

Karan: "We propose a rotational system for toll collection. From 1945 to 1948, we will collect tolls. After that, British India will collect tolls for five years. Once that term ends, we will collect tolls for another five years. This cycle will continue as long as the agreement holds."

Colonel Webb: narrowing his eyes, considering the offer "You wish to maintain control but still offer us incentives. Clever."

After some thought, Colonel Webb nodded in agreement.

Colonel Webb: "Fine. But tell me, what are your plans for constructing the cement factories?"

Karan: "We will build two medium-sized cement factories, one in Khrew and another in Wuyan. Each will require an investment of ₹20 lakh. To ensure uninterrupted power supply, we will also construct a small hydroelectric plant with an investment of ₹60 lakh."

Colonel Webb: nodding "How will the investment be split?"

Karan: "For the cement factories, the total investment is ₹40 lakh. 85% of the cost will be borne by us, while the remaining 15% will be funded by British India."

Karan: "For the hydroelectric plant, we will invest ₹20 lakh, while British India will invest ₹40 lakh. However, we will not claim ownership or distribution rights over the electricity. The only condition is that the cost per unit should not exceed 20 paise."

Karan: "We will provide labor and manpower for construction, while British India will supply senior engineers, equipment, turbines, and generators."

As Karan spoke, Colonel Webb carefully analyzed the deal in his mind.

"This prince is smart. Every investment we make will ultimately benefit British industries. The money we invest will return to us through the sale of construction materials, machinery, and engineering services. In the long run, we will get dividends from the cement factories, revenue from toll collection, and influence over Kashmiri infrastructure. And best of all, they are allowing us to take control of power generation without demanding a share of the profits."

Realizing that the British Empire would have the upper hand financially, Webb knew that approving this deal was in his best interest.

Colonel Webb: smiling slightly "I must say, you have structured this deal well, young prince. Very well, I agree to these terms."

Karan: nodding "A wise decision, Colonel. This partnership will be mutually beneficial."

Colonel Webb: "Now tell me, how do you plan to supply cement for the road construction? The factories will take time to be completed."

Karan: "Our approach is simple. The first 70% of the road will be built using standard tar-based construction. The remaining 30%, which will use cement, will be completed in the final phase. By the time we reach that stage, at least one cement factory will be fully operational."

Karan: "Additionally, we will construct connecting roads between Khrew, Wuyan, and Samba to integrate cement production with transportation routes. This will streamline the supply chain and ensure efficiency."

Colonel Webb: nodding in approval "Efficient planning. This will make the project more feasible."

Colonel Webb: leaning back in his chair "It seems you have everything planned out. Is there anything else on your mind?"

Karan: smirking slightly "Perhaps. "