The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is India’s crucial land link to its Northeastern states. This narrow 22-km-wide, 60-km-long stretch of land faces growing threats from a military-strategic alliance between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Indian military is responding with enhanced defensive measures, including the creation of three new army garrisons.
The Growing Threat to the Corridor
The Siliguri Corridor lies between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, with China’s border nearby. It is a vital security, logistics, and trade hub, but it is vulnerable to disruption. A recent increase in military activity by China and Pakistan in Bangladesh has heightened concerns about the safety of the corridor. Following the 2024 ousting of the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangladesh, India’s security establishment has reassessed the region’s defense strategy.
India’s Response: New Army Garrisons
To counter the emerging threats, India has established three new army garrisons in the Siliguri region. The first of these, the Lachit Borphukan military station in Bamuni, Assam, serves as a permanent army base along Assam’s border with Bangladesh. It spans 65 acres and is equipped for rapid deployment, counter-infiltration, and area domination. It hosts 1,500 personnel, including a para-special forces detachment.
Additionally, two forward garrisons have been set up in Kishanganj, Bihar, and Chopra, North Bengal. These garrisons are located near the Bangladesh border and are crucial for swift military action. Each garrison houses around 1,000 troops and is part of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps.
Enhanced Military Infrastructure in the Region
The Siliguri Corridor is now under the command of the Trishakti Corps, based in Sukna, near Siliguri. This corps is equipped with T-90 battle tanks, mechanized infantry, S-400 air defense systems, Akash missiles, and BrahMos missile systems. The addition of the new garrisons significantly strengthens India’s defensive capabilities in the region. The military can now deploy armored columns, drones, and quick-reaction forces across the corridor within minutes.
Bangladesh’s Shift Toward a China-Pakistan Military Axis
Bangladesh has recently shifted its foreign policy, aligning itself with China and Pakistan. Under the interim government of Mohammed Yunus, Bangladesh has increasingly leaned toward a China-Pakistan defense axis. This shift is evident in the revival of the Lalmonirhat airbase in northern Bangladesh, located just 16 km from the Siliguri Corridor. While initially described as a civilian upgrade, the airbase is now being developed with military capabilities, including radar systems and military drone hangars.
Moreover, Pakistan’s military supplier, Heavy Industries Taxila, has been upgrading Bangladesh’s tanks, and Bangladesh is set to acquire JF-17 fighter jets. Bangladesh’s military cooperation with Pakistan has increased, with both countries conducting joint naval exercises.
The Chinese Factor
China has also made significant investments in Bangladesh’s military infrastructure. Under a $2.2 billion deal, China is delivering 20 J-10CE fighter jets to Bangladesh. Additionally, joint drone factories have been set up, and Mongla and Chattogram ports are being upgraded by Beijing. The Golden Friendship-2024 counter-terrorism drills between the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Bangladesh Army are also ongoing, further cementing China’s influence.
Threats to the Siliguri Corridor from China
The Siliguri Corridor is geographically vulnerable, lying just 25-30 km from the trijunction of India, Bhutan, and China. The 2017 Doklam standoff between India and China highlighted the corridor’s strategic importance. China’s efforts to extend its road network through the Chumbi Valley, which lies south of the Siliguri Corridor, raised concerns that it might be used to block India’s access to the Northeast.
Chinese Involvement in the Teesta River Project
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, which involves flood control and land reclamation, has also raised alarms. Chinese participation in this project would bring China dangerously close to the Siliguri Corridor. There are concerns that insurgent groups, supported by China and Pakistan, could use the corridor as a transit route.
Military Readiness and Preparations
Despite these threats, the corridor’s rugged terrain, forests, and rivers provide strong defensive lines. The Indian military has conducted extensive war games and scenario planning, including airborne raids. Troops, including mechanized forces, are fully prepared and regularly train for such contingencies.
A Collaborative Threat from China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
India recognizes that the growing collaboration between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh poses a significant threat to the Siliguri Corridor. The establishment of the new garrisons is a proactive step to ensure that India can respond effectively to any aggression in the region. The military believes these measures will strengthen its position and help safeguard the corridor, India’s critical land link to the Northeast.
