India’s strategic moves amid the China-Bangladesh alliance | Fusion - WeRIndia

A narrow strip of land in eastern India has become the centre of growing regional tension.

The Siliguri Corridor, or “Chicken’s Neck,” connects India’s northeast to the rest of the country.

It is just 20–22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point. Now, India fears this critical zone is under strategic threat.

China’s increasing military cooperation with Bangladesh has alarmed Indian defence officials. Recently, Chinese military officers inspected an old airbase in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh.

This base lies close to the Siliguri Corridor, sparking concerns about surveillance and future military use.

To counter this, India has taken swift and strong measures. The Indian Army held a large military drill near the corridor.

It also deployed the advanced Russian-made S-400 Triumph air defence system. This system can engage multiple targets up to 400 kilometres away.

India has further reinforced the region with Rafale fighter jets stationed at Hashimara Airbase.

These jets carry Meteor missiles and feature state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems. Alongside them, BrahMos cruise missiles and Akash surface-to-air systems are now combat-ready in the area.

Bangladesh is strengthening its defence ties with China and Pakistan, raising concerns in India.

Interim Prime Minister Mohammed Yunus’s anti-India remarks have worsened tensions.

Bangladesh’s purchase of 12 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey has raised regional concerns.

Last year, one drone reportedly flew near the Indian border, prompting heightened security measures by India and escalating tensions amid growing military ties between Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan.

Moreover, Bangladesh is now considering the purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.

These are jointly produced by China and Pakistan, further complicating the strategic equation.

India has made it clear: any aerial intrusion will be dealt with decisively. With rising tensions and hardened postures, the Siliguri Corridor remains a flashpoint.

As regional alignments shift, India is determined to protect its most vulnerable link to the northeast.

Image Credit: Furfur, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Source: This file was derived from:

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Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chickens_neck.svg