Siliguri, West Bengal: In a significant strategic move, India has reinforced its military presence in the highly sensitive Siliguri Corridor—also known as the “Chicken’s Neck”—by deploying cutting-edge S-400 air defense systems and French-made Rafale fighter jets. The escalation in defense preparedness comes in response to increasing Chinese influence in neighboring Bangladesh, raising serious security concerns in New Delhi.
The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal that connects mainland India to its northeastern states, is of immense strategic importance due to its proximity to four countries—Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China. Any threat to this corridor could severely impact India’s territorial integrity and connectivity with its eastern frontier.
Indian defense officials have emphasized that this region, far from being a vulnerability, is now one of the most fortified zones in the country. The area is under the watchful command of the Trishakti Corps, which has been equipped with advanced weapon systems including:
Rafale fighter jets and MiG aircraft stationed at Hasimara Airbase
S-400 Triumf air defense systems for high-altitude and long-range threats
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile regiments capable of precision strikes
Akash and MRSAM missile systems for multi-layered aerial defense
This show of strength is aimed at ensuring rapid deployment capabilities and deterrence against any hostile activity in the region, particularly from the eastern front.
Bangladesh-China nexus raises strategic alarms
India’s increased vigilance follows remarks by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who referred to his country as the “sole guardian” of maritime access to India’s northeastern states. While the statement drew immediate diplomatic attention, India’s security establishment saw it as a potential indicator of shifting geopolitical alignments.
Of particular concern is China’s growing footprint in Bangladesh, including reported interest in establishing military infrastructure and airbases near the Indian border. Although no formal defense pact has been announced, analysts believe this burgeoning partnership could complicate the regional security equation.
A calculated response rooted in past experience
India’s latest military posture in the Siliguri Corridor is informed by lessons from the 2017 Doklam standoff, where Indian troops successfully halted Chinese road construction in Bhutanese territory—a move seen as an attempt to gain tactical access to the Chicken’s Neck.
Following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, India has significantly ramped up its border infrastructure and surveillance capabilities. The current military deployments serve not just as a deterrent but also as a readiness mechanism for any contingency.
High-level reviews and strategic messaging
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan recently visited North Bengal to assess operational readiness. His visit underscored India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and projecting strength in strategically vital regions.
Security experts suggest that while Bangladesh’s diplomatic overtures toward China are yet to materialize into military collaboration, India is wisely choosing to prepare rather than react. The robust deployment in the Siliguri Corridor reflects India’s larger doctrine of proactive defense amid a rapidly shifting regional power matrix.
Strategic implications for south Asia
Regional observers note that India’s bolstered defense infrastructure sends a clear message to both allies and adversaries: the security of its northeastern states and national interests will be non-negotiable. However, these moves could also recalibrate strategic alignments in South Asia, especially if China continues to expand its presence in India’s neighborhood.
As geopolitical dynamics evolve, India’s actions in the Siliguri Corridor reaffirm its resolve to maintain regional stability while ensuring that vital lifelines to its eastern states remain secure.
