The global intelligence community was scrambling to piece together the truth.
Yet, for now, the nuclear ambitions of Pakistan remained a well-guarded secret known only to the CIA, R&AW, and ISI.
In both Moscow and London, however, the situation was more confusing.
The KGB and MI6 knew something was off, but they didn't have the full picture.
The speed of India's mobilization, combined with Pakistan's defensive posturing, hinted at a far deeper game being played, a game that neither agency was prepared for.
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KGB Headquarters, Moscow
The cold winter wind outside did little to cool the rising tension within the halls of the KGB.
The Cold War with all its problem and issues create a situation where any major shift in South Asia could tip the balance of power in a region that both the Soviets and the Americans had been vying for influence.
It was, after all, about keeping everyone within reach and in check.