An expedition reaching India would still face the East India Company's professional, well-drilled troops. Regular pay helped retain their loyalty, and the company's political bargaining power depended on commanding that reliable force. Failing to pay soldiers could therefore weaken its ability to negotiate. A rival could also buy the loyalty of troops on which the company's position depended.
Notable Point · 13:23-14:19
Regular pay sustains the East India Company's military power
Dependable pay gives the East India Company a reliable fighting force and protects the military basis of its political influence.