TheShammySocialist

"I'm sure that a number of companies would gladly accept a hand in helping you develop your infrastructure for resource extraction as well, many are always looking for an opportunity to work with international partners. I'm sure that this would not be any different with your nation. There are many young men and women in the subcontinent who look for adventure and opportunities to work abroad when and where they can. Just something to consider I suppose. Well, other than that, [I]ya sheikh[/I], my royal cousin expressed the interest in perhaps laying the foundation of an appropriate security relationship. Perhaps signing an agreement that would share intelligence relevant to one another's nation, and perhaps working out some framework that would build some links between the militaries of our two great nations?"

"The lowering of restrictions on imports and exports, and tariffs, I'm sure would be a welcome term of agreement we might come to here. We value international trade, and the opening of Sudanese markets to Marathi goods would certainly be a good step forward. Our nation is always looking for new sources of raw materials and natural resources, and we would gladly provide an open market for minerals and natural resources your nation can harvest. This being at competitive prices as well. I'm sure Marathi companies would be quite open to helping provide capital investment for developing infrastructure that allows for your nation to exploit its natural resources."

"I'm glad to hear that some of your nations' issues seem to be in the process of solving. I'm sure that you, and your people, would like to be able to write a peaceful chapter in your history books for a change, considering the turbulence it's had as of late," stated Vijay, with a nod. "As your nation is one of our neighbors in the Indian Ocean rim, via the Red Sea of course, it was the opinion of our High Council, and the King, that a formal diplomatic relationship would be quite appropriate. Sudan not only is a neighbor, but also a potential market for Maratha, and vice-versa, which makes for a mutually beneficial relationship in the long run. Our nation is starting to look outwards, and our neighbors should be our first priority."

"Well, that status quo has been broken, which I am quite thankful for," noted Bhonsle, referring what the Emperor had said about the subcontinent being a source of economic and social stagnation. "I can assure you that it won't be happening in the foreseeable future, barring any outside intervention." "My understanding from my cousin was that you invited us to open formal relations. The Maratha Crown is hoping that the opening of a formal diplomatic exchange will foster positive relations with Tianxia, for as you noted, it would be mutually beneficial to continue economic growth. Both our nations represent significantly sized markets. My cousin was also hoping that I would bring up a dialogue on the Indian Ocean as well, if room for such a dialogue exists."

"I'm quite aware of your nations' past martial history, when I was younger, much of what I imagined Japan to be, at least in its feudal days, was a land of castles, warriors, and feuding factions. I'd be quite honored to take time to examine the historical fortifications of your nation when the time is appropriate," responded Santaji, with a polite smile. His mind wandering to images of the heyday of the Samuri, dressed in his laminate armor, and the great feuding wars that seemed to never fragment the old island nation. "There are many portions of the complex that are open to public viewing on a daily basis, of course, there are other portions that are logically off limits. Without some modern conveniences, it would be quite unbearable to live in some of this complex. I daresay I pity my ancestors and their courts having to live in such heat without being able to remedy it," he continued, with a smirk. The wall-mounted television display had digital renditions of both nations' flags hanging beside one another, simply as a screen saver, powered up and ready should they require assessing data. As the Japanese Prime Minister expressed a wish for masala chai, the Indian monarch swiftly snapped his fingers at one of his attending aides, nodding in a benevolent way. He opted to pour himself a glass of water, as he slid the cup of fruit in front of himself, grabbing a fresh piece of cantaloupe that was speared with a toothpick. And sampling it as the Japanese Prime Minister spoke, nodding his head as his eyes stayed on hers. "Every nation has its own cultures and customs, its what makes us unique next to one another, if we didn't, I supposed there'd be one big monotonous world government, and I'd imagine we would be like animals. Giving someone a national identity, a subgroup within a species, and a citizen of every nation deserves to be proud of the government that leads them. While we have our differences, we share similar goals, our own security, the continuation of prosperity for our respective people. That is what human society is based on, a very basic principle of gathering against a perceived threat, security in both food, prosperity, and the basic freedom to live without an overwhelming sense of fear," he responded, as his aide returned with a cup of masala chai for her to sample.

As he arrived at the Presidential Palace, Vijay Bhonsle would take the opportunity to survey the Sudanese leaders' residence, taking stock of himself, as he and a handful of his aides would be ushered into the structure. He would have a translator of his own along, who would also take notes as the meeting went on, the rest of his staff would remain outside the room as Vijay entered the room to meet with Al-Bashir. "Thank you for meeting with me, [I]ya sheikh[/I], its a pleasure. The Maharaja extends his most honorable regards to you and your nation," he stated, as he took a seat after Al-Bashir greeted him, with a polite smile on his face. "Santaji also extends his thoughts and prayers, and those of his High Council, for the children and their families who were recently abducted, such a terrible turn of fates. Children should never be treated in this way." "My people have a lot of work to do, but we've been meeting the challenge in a measured way, quite well. Raising a country that has been in detriment for a long time always poses its risks and challenges, but the rewards are potentially endless. How fares Sudan and her people? I've been made quite aware of ongoing internal issues within the nation for quite some time now."

As part of its expanding commitment to the defense of the nation, the Royal Marathi Army, in conjunction with forces from the RMAF and RMN have begun another set of large scale exercises in the Thar Desert, as well as in the Tamil-Nadu Region of the southern subcontinent. Mobile combined arms warfare exercises are once again the focuses by forces in the Thar Desert maneuvers, with four armored divisions and four mobile infantry divisions partaking in the high endurance combat operations. Both blue and red exercise teams are evenly matched in manpower, equipment, and artillery, whilst red team suffers from only limited aerial support, which is to force them to change their tactics in attacking and movements. The exercises are expected to also feature uses of tactical ballistic missile weaponry in simulated events, as well as strategic area air defense schemes, in support of ground combat operations and aerial interception techniques. The exercises are expected to take a full two weeks to complete, after which debriefing and honing maneuvers will take place to correct lapses in command judgment, with tactical commanders being given assessments of their decisions and skills based upon a highly complex criteria. Exercises in Tamil Nadu are comprised of marine assault techniques, with mass amphibious drills taking place for the first time, involving a simulated landing against heavily fortified coastline, including oppositional naval forces possessing small amounts of diesel electric submarines and missile gunboats. The exercises are not only expected to hone skills of the marine assault infantry, but also test the RMN's offensive capabilities in green water operations, particularly against an unconventional enemy utilizing various methods of resistance and counterattacks. A marine assault division has been slated for blue force usage, whilst a red force is comprised of an infantry division with mixed support units. Like the exercises in the Thar Desert, these exercises will be followed by debriefing and assessments, which will help sharpen tactical skills of infantry and naval tactical commanders.

Given that there were several reports of internal violence in Sudan, Vijay Bhonsle had been appropriated a number of plainclothes members of the Special Operations Directorate, which would stay with the aircraft once it landed. This put the main security of the envoy and his small group of staffers in the hands of the Sudanese, whilst arrangements were made to put the Maratha aircraft into a suitable hanger whilst it was being refueled and readied for its flight home. After landing, Vijay Bhonsle would immediately meet with the Sudanese who were to bring him to the Presidential Palace, and take the offered transport to Al-Bashirs' residence. The security measures in place in Khartoum were quite evident and overt, a measure that the Marathi diplomat expected. As he traveled into the Sudanese capital, he took the opportunity to survey it and take it in, having already reviewed his notes more than a dozen times. He kept a simple, yet business like appearance, opting for formal attire, but not so much to appear flashy. The only real spot of color on his attire was the pin of the orange Maratha standard on his lapel.

After receiving a positive reply from Khartoum, Santaji Bhonsle would dispatch a small delegation to the Sudanese Capital, headed by his trusted cousin, Vijay Bhonsle. They would depart Pune early in the morning for the trans-Arabian flight to Khartoum, expected in the late morning there. It would be the first official diplomatic foray outside of Asia for the Maratha, and many on the High Council were interested to see what the results would be of the meeting. The King himself had spoke with his cousin, conferring with him in private before the departure, reportedly discussing possible outcomes. As the Maratha aircraft flew into Sudanese airspace, it would make contact with Khartoum's airport to confirm its arrival.

[b]Public[/b] As part of initiatives to continue India's energy independence, government announcements have pointed to the awarding of a contract to IndoPetrol to begin exploiting natural gas reserves in the Bay of Bengal. IndoPetrol has been a strong proponent of natural gas exploration, and utilizing old charts and surveys to undertake new surveys in tapping underwater resources. In an announcement outside of IndoPetrol's Kolkata Regional Office, the CEO, Dreys Mahindra has stated that; "IndoPetrol has always committed itself to sustainable growth and use of resources, the Bengal Emperor at-sea project will be no different, as we strive to continue to supply the Maratha Empire with most of its energy needs." As part of its contribution to the Bay of Bengal economy, the corporation has donated several trillion rupees to clean water projects, including environmental cleanup and enforcement costs of stopping offshore dumping. Although several environmental groups within the nation have given a nod of appreciation to IndoPetrol's efforts, many continue to show disparaging remarks for continued fossil fuel reliance. One of IndoPetrol's competitors in energy, Thar Solutions, has openly criticized the government for the opening of natural gas fields in the Bay of Bengal. Thar Solutions runs several solar energy farms in the Thar Desert, and its manufacturing conglomerate provides solar panels for green-energy-minded private citizens and companies. In other economic news, mining-giant Maharaja Holdings has stated that it is expecting to increase mining operations of bauxite and sheet mica in response to increased demand in manufacturing sectors. Thakur-Singh Steel has also noted an increase in recycling operations of various metals, attributing the rise in strides by the government to push for recyclable materials to be reprocessed.

[b]Private Diplomatic Cable[/b] "We will gladly dispatch a delegation to Khartoum whenever is earliest convenient for you." [OOC: I can make a thread?]

A special courier would deliver a handwritten note to Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry, the letter closed with a fanciful seal.

A handwritten note would be delivered by special courier to Khartoum, it was short, and to the point;

"Every culture had, or has their own ways of holding territory, it is quite interesting to see how they are as much alike, as they are different," stated Santaji, as he stepped through the inner door of the large spiked gate, leading the entourage. Inside the fortress, much of the complex had been restored, it wasn't a huge palace-like structure, but much of the buildings were quite beautifully restored, even the smell of fresh paint could be smelt on the air, as well as fresh timber. The large [url=https://www.behance.net/gallery/3564275/Revitalizing-Environs-of-Shaniwarwada-Pune-%28COPY%29]main building[/url] had been completed only about a month previous, and now hosted several High Council meetings a week. "I'd be glad to give you a chance to look over the complex with one of my associates, Prime Minister," noted Santaji, leading the group into the main building, and then into a room off one of the main halls. "Although we restored this building completely, we had to make a few modern amenities available to the people who utilize this structure, particularly for meetings," he continued, as they entered a conference room. The furniture had a rustic look to it however, that would match the period of the Shaniwar Wada, a large teak table exquisitely carved, along with comfortable chairs surrounding it. Audio visual equipment was available in one corner of the room, as was a table that was available, that had refreshments strewn out on it in a tasteful pattern. Santaji took the opportunity to collect a cup of fruit as he walked by the table, and offered a seat at the table. "Please, have a seat, or enjoy some refreshment."

[b]Public[/b] As part of new efforts to provide affordable military equipment on the global market, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. has marketed a new class of [url=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JitTB-zM6Zo/SgLI8sZd8MI/AAAAAAAAAFo/hhSceTDSaWw/s1600-h/milgemcalisma08.GIF]Light Surface Combatants[/url] that will adequate fulfill the needs of green water and blue water navies. These corvette-sized vessels are highly customizable, heavily armed, and require a minimal size crew to fulfill operational requirements. The flexibility and capabilities of what is now known as the City-class Corvette, has led the Royal Marathi Navy to order a total of 65 of the vessels for their use. The City-class Corvettes boast a heavy armament that include a 76mm Gun in a reduced visibility turret, a missile-autocannon CIWS system aft of the main battery, four [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exocet]Flying Fish[/url] anti-ship/land attack missiles, one eight-cell VLS for quad-packed [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIM-162_ESSM]Sea Shrike[/url] SHRAAD Missiles, a launcher for four Mark 54 LW Torpedoes, two dual 30mm autocannons on either side of the hanger, and one Rolling Airframe Launcher on the roof of the hanger. Additional armament includes four remotely controlled heavy machine guns midships, as well as many as two [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW159_Wildcat]Wildcat[/url] Light Utility Helicopters, or one medium utility helicopter. The ship has also been noted to be able to carry combat-capable UAVs for scouting and light attack missions, and has appropriate control equipment for such equipment. Two of the City-class Corvettes, [i]Delhi[/i] and [i]Kolkata[/i], have distinguished themselves in anti-piracy operations in the Bay of Bengal, prosecuting operations in international waters against Burmese pirates and smugglers that have been operating in the region.

As part of a joint statement by the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, the Maratha Empire has released the following on the nations' stance on unconventional weapons; "The Maratha Empire states explicitly that it shall bar the development of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons within its borders, as part of a commitment to progress in global peace. This will not inhibit the Empire from development of defensive measures to these cruel types of weaponry, and it will undertake stringent defensive programs aimed at reducing the effects of potential strikes with these types of weapons. This will include research and development of antiviruses aimed at combating biological weaponry, as well as developing appropriate conventional weaponry in deterrence to unconventionally armed non-state actors or states themselves, rogue or otherwise."

"I'm personally interested to see what the new Khagan offers Tianxia for a leadership style, it is a positive that the Tianxian Civil War has come to an end. I personally hope to establish sound relations with all nations of Asia and the Indian Rim, and hopefully beyond. We all have much to offer one another, and with Maratha now a rising tide, stability is much welcome," he stated, as the column of vehicles crept up to a curb. A staffer quickly grabbed the door and yanked it open, allowing all to disembark, and once that was done, Santaji turned to the massive gate before them, of which an inset door was open for the guests to step through one by one. The large door had its original spiked exterior, meant to brain whatever unlucky war elephant was sent by any attacking army against the large fortress that doubled as his ceremonial home. "The Shaniwar Wada burned a long time ago, much of it was lost, but through much research and restoration, my family has been restoring the palace to its former glory over the past few years, it will serve us well as a place to hold our talks," stated the monarch, with a proud smile on his face. The imposing walls were similar to those seen in forts around the world, and while the Shaniwar Wada was far from impregnable, both then and now, it was a symbol of strength and an example of one of the many forts constructed by his ancestors over the years. One of their keys to holding their land had been massive fortification works, which numbered in the hundreds, in the region. Of course most of the time, the monarch came and went from the complex via a well secured underground parking garage that connected with the palace beneath the city streets, but for ceremonial visits such as these, the gate entrance would be utilized. Two national standards hung beside the gate; the Maratha on one side, the Japanese on the other side, in a symbol of respect to their visitors.

"The Maratha Empire offers its diplomatic recognition to this new nation, and hopes it proves to be a positive contributor to the world at large. As with any nation we recognize, we extend the offer to swap embassies in our respective capital cities."

As part of exercises aimed at testing the readiness of the aerial services of the Armed Services, the RMAF has officially created its Training and Education Command, and the Bullseye Aggressor School, to prepare pilots and ground crew for high intensity and low intensity air combat and support. These new measures are expected to increase the capabilities and combat skills of pilots, turnaround times for ground crews, and the way of handling aircraft in scenarios where the importance of a mission could be the nations' sovereignty itself. Utilizing air combat instructors and seasoned crew from former subcontinent air forces, including some instructors whose military service stretched back to the time of the Royal Cochin Air Force, the program will eventually have the capacity to train as many as one thousand fighter pilots a year in three month classroom and flight instruction. Graduates of the program immediately earn a gilt gold star added to the center of their assigned pilot wings, as a measure of achievement, and all graduates are immediately inducted into frontline fighter squadrons. The Bullseye Aggressor School focuses both on offensive and defensive fighter engagement and interception tactics, as well as advanced air-to-ground coordination. Strike and penetration mission packages are also flown, where testing maneuverability and navigation is essentially, particularly in ground-hugging tactics which are practiced by utilizing a flat plain with integrated laser systems to simulate rolling hills, ridge-lines, and mountain passes, which pilots cannot trip during their maneuvers. Coordination with aerial defense systems and integrated squadron tactics are also practiced to ensure good discipline in intense combat situations that include aerial dogfights and close encounters with aircraft. Although initiative and confidence are instilled in graduates, traits such as overconfidence, cockiness, or aggressive behavior are dissuaded. Good judgment is well prized, and the school has a reputation for pushing quick-critical-thinking techniques, as well as promoting strong team work between squadron mates and matched wingmen duos. The dissuasion of over aggressive tactics has been critiqued by some pilots as being too overbearing, and promoting hesitant behavior, but most psychologist observations have pointed to the schools' quick-thinking promotion countering hesitant behavior. Many of the classroom instructors continually preach the line 'he who hesitates is lost, but he who acts rashly will not be saved either'. Early graduates of the program, that had noted existing disciplinary issues regarding overconfidence and aggressive tactics, have shown improvements after attending the school, and their edge in combat exercises have notably grown after attendance. Shikra Aggressor aircraft, featuring the dark grey paint and the Bullseye Roundel of the Aggressor School, prepare to embark for a training mission aimed at testing cadets' skills against coastal infiltration missions, in the southern district of Tamil Nadu.

Along with a general statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of Santaji, the monarch would also have a handwritten letter transmitted to the Athenian Federation by official government courier. "The Marathi Royal Family and the High Council, on behalf of the Maratha Empire express their condolences to the fallen Athenian Crown Prince. May his spirit endure and give those who shall succeed him in his duties strength and endurance."

In response to a large demand of better navigational aids, and on recommendations by the Ministry of Labor, the RMCG has begun the construction and deployment of ground-based navigation aids. The program is to allow for a cheap alternative to GPS signalling, which can be very expensive for local fishermen, by utilizing beacon towers that are being set up along the entirety of the coastline that transmit a medium frequency emission of its geographic placement. The idea is that a mariner should be always be in range of two beacon towers, that each have their own, unique transmission, which helps a mariner get a fix on their approximate location and allow for them to avoid navigational hazards on an uploaded map on their receiver unit. The transmission towers and receiver sets, which are sold to the public as a waterproof computer system, cost half as much as a fixed GPS system, and a quarter of what a basic surface wave radar set does, and the waterproof computer system can be updated with maps of the locales where the boat is operating in. The placement of beacons will coincide with complete hydrographic surveys of the coastline, as well as more robust buoy and physical navigational aid placements. This process is expected to be completed by crews from the RMCG, as well as privately contracted crews that will work alongside the RMCG in their surveys. When concluded, the Royal Geographic and Hydrographic Survey Office is expected to release new charts to the general public that will aid navigation and provide better hazard awareness. These measures, taken together, are expected to ensure that groundings and property loss are minimized at sea, especially after an especially busy week for the RMCG, with over a dozen and a half major groundings over the past fortnight, most of which involved large fishing trawlers, half of which were deemed to be partly the fault of poor navigational aids. [center][/center] [center][i]A directional assistance beacon near the coastline in Chittagong, in eastern Bangladesh State. The beacon was installed as part of an introductory program following two large trawler groundings in the area, one of which resulted in a sizable oil spill.[/i][/center]

Santaji listened to the words of the Japanese Prime Minister attentively, keeping eye contact for most of the time, and nodding every so often to affirm his agreement with some of her more harder-hitting points. "Fortunately I have a few orthodox and unorthodox bureaucrats who work with me, they strike a fairly good balance. All are hard working and devoted to their positions, but they all have their own way about doing their business. Unfortunately, one person cannot run a country alone, not a country of this size anyway, maybe Lichtenstein, but not the subcontinent. I have to delegate and rely on those beneath me, like any good leader does, we set a standard to work by, and I let them take their own steps to get there, if they find something that might make the result better than expected, than the delegation was worth it." "I've found that few people can remain zealously devoted to their job without going insane. And I encourage those that are quite zealous on my council to find something they enjoy, other than writing numerous papers and studies, and barking out orders to their subordinates. One must always find time to decompress when handling the affairs of state. Like any job, and like you said, one must strike a balance, both in their professional lives, and their personal ones." "Personally I think such time allows for anyone to refresh their minds and restores those key attributes of critical thinking and keeping ones' mind clear so they can pursue a clear objective. Its why I encourage my fellow statesmen to take the time to develop something they enjoy that lets them reflect, but also refresh their minds," he continued. "We have a rich history and culture, and it is one that is still being recorded as we speak, and I thank you for your compliments. Every nation leaves a footprint on this Earth, it has a culture, a history, a backstory, all the little facets that make the country unique. India is proud of its history, we remember where we came from, and it helps guide us where we are going. The face of the world has changed from many countries holding power, to only a few, but time continues to chug onward, conflict will always arise, power always finds a place to rest its mighty head. Japanese culture has endured, it has had its high points, and its lows, just like our nation has, but you do well to make sure your nation continues to make its footprint on history and that her citizens are proud of their nation, and can live in stability and prosperity, is that not what we serve our nations for?" "With diligence and devotion, mixed with a little critical thinking and innovation, I'm sure that your administration, and those that follow it, will ensure Japan's continued stability. You talk of balance, and I agree that its a fine tight rope that we all must walk, managing balance in the affairs of state. There will always be bad years, mistakes will be made, but righting them is what truly defines a leader. I pray that your neighbors, particularly the Koreans, who actually provided us with some spiteful commentary upon our invocation of sovereignty, continue on a peaceful path despite their searing attitude. I daresay I hope Tianxia is able to return itself to relative stability, apparently it has, and hopefully that continues, our dealings with them have had flickers of positive light, and I hope that continues." "I can only hope that my nation continues to see a balanced continuance of global affairs, it would be most welcome. Particularly whilst we are in a critical stage of national economic and social redevelopment," he stated, smiling a little as they rounded a corner and began their approach to one of the gates of the Shaniwar Wada.

As part of its commitment to expanding technological infrastructure for the nation, as well as providing orbital infrastructure for the nations' defense, the Orbital Progress Facility has been opened along the coastline northeast of the city of Visakhapatnam. Started shortly after the nations' declared independence, the facility is the pride of the Marathi Space Administration (MSA), and has a series of eight launch pads, five of them being still under construction. With a heavy workload already planned for many of the countries' telecommunications companies, there has been discussion that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), also has a slew of defense and security related satellites for launch as well. The Orbital Progress Facility not only features a large number of orbital launch pads, but also has an expansive air force facility for testing and development of various aircraft, along with secure, climate controlled facilities to house such equipment. The Orbital Progress Facility is expected to launch the first government-related orbiter within the next two months, an unmanned autonomous reusable vehicle that could prove to be a future platform for manned space flight. Launched atop a large booster, the vehicle will orbit the Earth for two weeks, conducting recovery trials of a satellite that will be launched ahead of it, to test the abilities of the platform to autonomously retrieve satellites for repair or assessment, following a simulated damage report. [center][/center] [center][i]One of the launch pads at the Orbital Progress Facility, readying a large booster for primary trials, which will also put a telecommunications satellite for media giant SC Comm into orbit. Additional facilities around the complex can be seen in the distance.[/i][/center] The first payload for the Orbital Progress Facility is expected to be a telecommunications satellite from SC Comm, that will provide satellite television broadcasting for its twenty-four hour news network, MNSC News to receivers around the world. SC Comm makes up a large percentage of the early business for the facility, and its contracts with the government are expected to bring in large sums of money for the facility and the government to pay for its construction and maintenance. SC Comm has worked closely with both the MSA, as well as the RMAF in determining orbital tracks of its satellites. SC Comm is expected to also provide navigation assistance through its soon-expected SC NAV satellites, which will be placed into orbit to provide navigation assistance for private consumption on the subcontinent and surrounding areas.

That's rich. I'd like a detailed explanation how I'm 'de facto' part of the clique. Just because I don't want to join #CNRPA? Because I don't agree with you at all times? Because I think everyone on both sides have blood on their hands and no one is innocent? Because I've chosen to essentially stay the neutral menace throughout all this? I've been allied with Triyun, and I've also faced off with him before too. It all depends on how the cards fall, to be honest.

< Isn't in #hegemon. < Still hasn't been rolled.