In a significant strategic response, India has enhanced its military posture in the Siliguri Corridor—commonly referred to as the ‘Chicken’s Neck’—amid increasing concerns over the strengthening ties among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The deployment of cutting-edge Rafale fighter jets and S-400 Triumph air defense systems underscores India’s commitment to securing this vital northeastern gateway.
The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land strip measuring just 20–22 kilometers at its narrowest point, plays a crucial role in linking mainland India to its seven northeastern states. Its strategic vulnerability has long raised alarms, but recent developments have intensified Indian anxieties. Particularly alarming was the inspection of a former airbase in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, by Chinese military officials, which is located perilously close to the corridor.
Adding to these tensions, Mohammed Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, has made provocative statements reflecting his administration’s deepening alignment with China and Pakistan. This shift has fueled India’s strategic concerns, further complicated by Bangladesh’s recent military acquisitions, including 12 Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkey, and ongoing discussions for procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets produced in a collaboration between Pakistan and China.
In light of these developments, India’s response has been both rapid and assertive. The Indian Army has engaged in high-intensity military exercises within the Siliguri Corridor and has activated the S-400 air defense system, capable of neutralizing multiple aerial threats from distances up to 400 kilometers. Additionally, Rafale fighter jets stationed at Hasimara Air Base in West Bengal have notably increased their operational patrols over the region.
Recent incidents, such as the reported incursion of a Bangladeshi Bayraktar drone near the India-Bangladesh border last year, have further propelled India to tighten its air surveillance protocols. The Indian Army has communicated a strict directive stating that any unauthorized aerial vehicle entering Indian airspace will be immediately neutralized.
As the geopolitical landscape in the region continues to shift, India’s latest military deployments in the Siliguri Corridor serve as both a robust defensive maneuver and a clear warning. The underlying message is apparent: any encroachments near India’s strategic lifelines will encounter formidable resistance.
