India’s strategic zone in North Bengal, known as the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken Neck, has come under global attention once again. A new diplomatic development between China and Bangladesh is triggering strong concerns in India’s defence circles.
During his recent visit to Beijing, Bangladesh’s caretaker chief Mohammad Yunus reportedly proposed the idea of setting up a Chinese airbase in Lalmonirhat, a district very close to India’s northern borders. This potential military collaboration is being seen as a serious challenge to India’s security, especially since Lalmonirhat is located dangerously close to the narrow Siliguri Corridor—a passage that connects the rest of India to its northeastern states.
This single development, if it goes through, could shake up the military balance in the region and give China an edge just a few kilometres away from India’s mainland.
What Is the Siliguri Corridor or Chicken Neck and Why Is It So Important for India?
India’s Chicken Neck, technically known as the Siliguri Corridor, is a narrow stretch of land that connects mainland India with the northeastern states. This region is only 60 km long and about 21 km wide. It lies in West Bengal, bordered by Nepal in the north, Bhutan to the northeast, and Bangladesh to the south.
It links eight Indian states:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Mizoram
- Manipur
- Meghalaya
- Nagaland
- Sikkim
- Tripura
Due to this narrow link, any threat or blockage in the corridor can completely cut off the northeast from the rest of the country. This makes the Chicken Neck one of India’s most sensitive zones, both strategically and militarily.
China’s Expanding Presence Near India Raises Alarm
Over the past few years, China has been consistently trying to expand its presence around India through economic, political, and military channels. Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) already passes through neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Now, if China gets access to an airbase in Bangladesh, it could pose a direct challenge to India’s military operations in the east. According to sources, the proposed airbase in Lalmonirhat would bring Chinese forces within close range of India’s northeastern command. This proximity could give Beijing a strategic upper hand in any future conflict or standoff.
Bangladesh’s Changing Political Winds and New Alignments
One of the biggest shifts is seen in the political change in Bangladesh. Earlier, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, India and Bangladesh shared strong ties. Hasina was known for her cooperation with India on border management, trade, and counter-terrorism.
However, the new interim government led by Mohammad Yunus appears to be leaning closer to China. His recent statements in Beijing, including his view that “northeast India is landlocked and depends on Bangladesh for sea access,” suggest that Bangladesh may be re-evaluating its alliances.
This change in tone is raising eyebrows in New Delhi. India sees it as a signal that China might be trying to gain a strategic foothold in South Asia by influencing Bangladesh’s defence policy.
Why Is This Development a Double Concern for India?
There are two major reasons why India should be worried about this growing China-Bangladesh collaboration:
1. China’s Aggressive Strategy in South Asia
China has always used its economic and political tools to deepen ties with India’s neighbours, often in ways that could limit India’s influence in the region. From ports in Sri Lanka to highways in Nepal and now potentially an airbase in Bangladesh, this strategy is aimed at encircling India.
If Chinese military infrastructure comes up near the Chicken Neck, it would put India’s northeastern lifeline under direct threat. Indian defence experts believe that this may allow Beijing to monitor troop movements, block trade routes, or even interfere during a conflict.
2. Political Shift in Dhaka
The second concern is political instability or change in direction from Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina’s government had a stable relationship with India, and both nations solved several border and water-sharing issues peacefully.
However, with a new leader in charge, who seems to be warming up to China, India might find it difficult to maintain the same trust. If Bangladesh’s foreign policy starts tilting more towards China, India could lose a key partner in South Asia.
Strategic Experts Warn of Increased Risk to India’s Northeastern Region
Security analysts believe that China’s interest in Bangladesh is not just military but also geopolitical. The aim may be to pressure India from multiple directions—north via Tibet, west via Pakistan, and now east via Bangladesh.
The Siliguri Corridor already has heavy security, with the presence of the Indian Army, Air Force, Assam Rifles, and Bengal Police. However, if China begins operating from nearby Lalmonirhat, India might have to rethink its entire eastern defence strategy.
Could This Be a Repeat of the Doklam Scenario?
In 2017, India faced a similar situation at Doklam, where China tried to construct roads near the India-Bhutan-Tibet trijunction. That situation was defused, but it showed China’s interest in sensitive areas.
Experts now fear that a Chinese airbase near the Chicken Neck could be a repeat of that tension—only this time, closer to Indian civilian population and vital transport routes.
India must now engage diplomatically with Bangladesh and ensure that such a plan doesn’t materialise. Strengthening local defence infrastructure, improving border surveillance, and working with other friendly neighbours will also be key steps going forward.
