By Vijay Oraon | FirstPeople.in
Ranchi, India – India’s strategic establishment is increasingly alarmed by recent developments around the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow and critical stretch of land in North Bengal that connects the Indian mainland with its northeastern states. Often dubbed the “Chicken’s Neck,” this corridor is barely 20-22 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, making it a geopolitical choke point vulnerable to external influence and military threats.
Why Siliguri Corridor Matters
The Siliguri Corridor is not just a strip of land—it is India’s lifeline to the northeast. Through this corridor pass vital roads, railways, oil pipelines, and internet cables that sustain the economy and connectivity of states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Any disruption to this region could effectively sever the northeastern states from the rest of India, both in peacetime logistics and during potential conflict scenarios. This is why India’s military and strategic command treat it as a red-line area, and why growing Chinese influence in nearby areas—especially through Bangladesh—has become a matter of urgent concern.
The Chinese Shadow in Bangladesh
Recent reports have highlighted Chinese involvement in the revival of a World War II-era airbase in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh. Located just 12-15 kilometers from the Indian border and roughly 135 kilometers from the Siliguri Corridor, this site has allegedly seen visits by Chinese officials, raising suspicions about its intended use.
While both Bangladesh and China claim the airbase development is meant for civil and logistic purposes, India is wary. Bangladesh has already developed deep military ties with China, acquiring submarines, missiles, and corvettes. The establishment of the Chinese-supported BNS Sheikh Hasina submarine base near Cox’s Bazar has added further weight to India’s concerns.
Strategic Encirclement?
Some analysts warn of a developing China-Pakistan-Bangladesh strategic triangle encircling India. With Chinese infrastructure deep in Pakistan (CPEC), military access in the Indian Ocean, and growing influence in Bangladesh, India’s eastern and northeastern borders are under unprecedented scrutiny.
The possibility of China gaining aerial or surveillance capabilities so close to the Siliguri Corridor could challenge India’s military mobility and regional dominance. In a conflict scenario, even the presence of logistics or drone infrastructure in Lalmonirhat could pose serious risks.
India’s Strategic Response
India is not sitting idle. In response, the Indian government has fortified defenses in the region:
Deployment of Rafale fighter jets at Hasimara Air Force Station near the corridor.
Upgraded missile capabilities, including the S-400 Triumf air defense system and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
Infrastructure upgrades to roads and rail lines for rapid troop movement.
Joint military drills with neighboring countries like Bhutan and Nepal to ensure regional alignment.
Moreover, India has increased diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and counterbalance Chinese influence.
What Lies Ahead?
While no immediate military confrontation is expected, the growing militarization around the Siliguri Corridor has raised regional security stakes. India must continue to balance its military preparedness with proactive diplomacy to ensure that the narrow “neck” that feeds its northeast does not become a strategic noose.
As the region becomes a new flashpoint in the broader India-China rivalry, the importance of securing the Siliguri Corridor is no longer just a strategic imperative—it’s a national priority.
