CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a critical geographical passage that connects mainland India to its northeastern states. This slender strip, spanning just 20–22 km in width, is flanked by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. As geopolitical conditions evolve particularly due to China’s rising assertiveness the corridor’s importance for India’s national security and regional connectivity has become more pronounced than ever.
Siliguri Corridor Matters
This narrow land passage is a strategic and logistical artery, enabling vital movement of goods, services, and military personnel to India’s Northeast. The corridor supports connectivity for an area covering around 262,230 square kilometres, home to over 40 million people. It also serves as the primary route for nearly 95% of exports from northeastern states such as Assam and Manipur. Any disruption to this narrow strip could severely compromise India’s national cohesion and economic flow.
Security Risks From North
One of the corridor’s biggest concerns is its close proximity to China’s Chumbi Valley, a vulnerable point that can be exploited in the event of military tension. The 2017 Doklam standoff underscored how swiftly China could threaten this vital link. Consequently, there is a growing consensus on the need for defensive upgrades and strategic redundancies.
China’s Expanding Influence In Region
China has been steadily increasing its foothold in South Asia through large-scale infrastructure investments, particularly in Myanmar and Bangladesh. These developments are reshaping regional power dynamics and pose direct challenges to India’s strategic interests, especially around the sensitive Siliguri zone.
Potential Surveillance From Lalmonirhat Airbase
A recent development raising concern is the revival of the Lalmonirhat airbase in Bangladesh. Situated just 135 km from the Siliguri Corridor, the airbase could be used for surveillance operations by China. This would enhance Beijing’s intelligence gathering capacity and pose a severe security risk for India.
Political Frictions And Diplomatic Challenges
Statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have drawn attention to the corridor’s vulnerabilities. Diplomatic friction with Bangladesh, especially under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, adds further complexity. A perceived shift in Bangladesh’s foreign policy toward closer ties with China may undermine India’s regional security posture.
Exploring Alternative Connectivity Routes
Given the strategic risks, India is proactively pursuing alternative access routes to reduce dependency on the Siliguri Corridor:
Hili–Mahendraganj Corridor: A proposed trade and transport link connecting West Bengal and Meghalaya through Bangladesh.
Tarapokhar–Shakati Route: This corridor offers a more direct route, bypassing Siliguri entirely and minimizing exposure to threats.
Subterranean Infrastructure: Plans to construct underground tunnels within the Siliguri zone are being considered to improve operational security.
Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project: This corridor connects Kolkata to Mizoram via Myanmar, offering maritime and inland waterway options to the Northeast.
Strategic Outlook
The Siliguri Corridor remains a cornerstone of India’s territorial integrity and national unity. With emerging security threats from China and unstable regional dynamics, India must act swiftly to safeguard its northeastern access routes. Strengthening current infrastructure and developing multi-pronged alternatives is not just a matter of convenience it’s a national security imperative.
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