On February 9, 1916, the German Foreign Ministry held a press conference.
Foreign Minister Walther announced to the reporters that, effective immediately, India had become a war zone. The entire coastline of India was to be declared a forbidden zone for navigation. One week later, the German Navy would initiate a blockade of India's coastline, forbidding ships from any nation to enter. Any vessels attempting to breach this blockade would be considered enemies of the German Empire and would be sunk upon discovery.
Undoubtedly, Walther's statement was resolutely firm. India, vast in territory and with an extensive coastline, was undeniably a great power. The German Navy's mobilization of a large fleet to blockade India's shores demonstrated a display of remarkable strength.
Of course, the act of declaring a no-sail zone was not unprecedented, as Germany had already undertaken such an action against Britain. At that time, although Germany held the upper hand in the war, it had not yet secured victory. As a result, many nations voiced discontent with Germany's actions, particularly the United States, which dispatched a powerful fleet in an attempt to breach the no-sail zone. After a series of confrontations and maneuverings, the Americans were forced to retreat, a testament to Germany's unyielding resolve.
Now, Germany had once again imposed a no-sail zone. Despite its larger scale, Germany's dominant position as the world's leading power left no nation daring to defy it. With the German penchant for direct action, any nation that did challenge the blockade would certainly face the sinking of their vessels.
However, despite the overwhelming authority exhibited, many journalists from various nations questioned Germany's actions, deeming them excessively brutal.
Walther, unperturbed, simply declared that India had already become a colony of the Empire. The dispatch of military forces to reclaim it was entirely legitimate and justified. Any attempt to obstruct Germany's recovery of India would mark the perpetrator as an enemy of the Empire.
Germany's resolve to retain India as a colony was a widely known fact. Its immense wealth made India a coveted prize for all nations, and the ease with which its indigenous population had been subdued made it an ideal subject for exploitation. The British had tamed them, making them among the best-suited candidates for servitude. Any powerful nation, in all likelihood, would never pass up the opportunity to seize such a colony.
Germany's blockade of India signaled that an assault on the subcontinent was imminent.
This move captured the attention of major world powers. Some expressed anger, while others envied Germany's assertiveness, and many hoped that Germany would face setbacks in India. If the British could turn India into a quagmire of war, trapping the Germans in it, it would be an ideal outcome.
Prime Minister Churchill instructed Lord Charles Harding, the Governor of India, to do whatever was necessary to delay Germany's advance. If he could inflict significant losses upon the Germans, even to the point of crippling them, it would be an invaluable victory. Churchill even promised Harding that if India succeeded in repelling the Germans, Harding would be appointed the next Chancellor of the Exchequer. According to tradition, should the ruling party win the next general election, the Chancellor of the Exchequer was often considered the presumptive next Prime Minister.
This promise filled Lord Harding with elation, motivating him to vigorously build up India's military strength, preparing to engage the Germans in battle. After all, the Indians were expendable; their deaths would have little consequence for the British Empire. If defeating Germany meant sacrificing the entire population of India, Harding would do so without hesitation.
Simultaneously, the United States and Britain worked swiftly to ship as much military equipment as possible to India, understanding that once Germany's blockade was in effect, it would be virtually impossible to send further supplies. The more weapons they could deliver, the more Indian troops they could arm. While the effectiveness of these troops might be limited, they would still serve their purpose. Even if it took the lives of ten Indians to claim the life of a single German, it would be a worthwhile trade.
In Vienna, Archduke Karl, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, awaited the imminent death of Emperor Franz Joseph I, eager to ascend to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He had long anticipated this moment, yet despite the Emperor's deteriorating health, the end had yet to come, which frustrated the heir to no end. As for Germany's upcoming invasion of India, Archduke Karl hoped fervently for Germany's failure. He understood that if Germany succeeded, the Austro-Hungarian Empire would stand no chance of surpassing it. Only if Germany faltered could his empire rise.
On the Arabian Sea, a vast fleet sailed—Germany's combined Pacific and Indian Ocean fleets. Comprised of eight battleships and six battlecruisers, supported by light cruisers and destroyers, the fleet boasted nearly one hundred ships in total.
Vice Admiral Spee, commander of the Pacific Fleet, assumed the role of fleet commander, a position that would remain until the conclusion of the conflict in India. Once the Germans defeated India, the Indian Ocean Fleet would establish a base at one of India's coastal ports, where it would continue patrols across the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the Pacific Fleet would shift eastward to cooperate with the army in seizing the British colonies in the South Pacific and Australia, allowing the Empire to fully absorb the British territories.
The flagship of the Pacific Fleet, the battleship "Kaiser," served as the flagship for the joint fleet. Spee, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Norman, as well as the commanders of the Indian Ocean Fleet, Vice Admiral Ingol and Rear Admiral Ruet, gathered on the forward deck of the battleship.
"Gentlemen, in two days, we will reach India. However, India's coastline is vast, and fully enforcing a blockade will be exceedingly difficult. I propose that we divide the coastline into two sections, with the Indian Ocean Fleet handling the western half and the Pacific Fleet managing the eastern half. By working together in this manner, we may improve efficiency." Spee suggested.
"Agreed, Admiral Spee." Vice Admiral Ingol nodded.
"The army will soon launch its offensive against India. In addition to our blockade duties, we must also be prepared to provide fire support during the army's landings. India is of vital importance to the Empire. This time, we must do everything in our power to secure it!"