Strategic alarm over India’s narrow bridge to the northeast
Retired Lt Gen D B Shekatkar has sounded a stark warning that shifting strategic dynamics between Bangladesh and Pakistan could threaten the security of India’s northeastern gateway known as the Siliguri Corridor (also called the “Chicken’s Neck”). He emphasised that any instability in Bangladesh, alignment with Pakistan or China, or cross‐border infiltration could imperil this critical 22-kilometre land link connecting the Indian mainland to the eight states of India’s northeast.
In a recent interview with the The Assam Tribune, Shekatkar pointed out, “Bangladesh is no longer a friendly country…and that is why India should be very careful and keep a close watch on the situation in the neighbouring country.”
Why the Siliguri Corridor matters to India’s defence
The lifeline to eight northeastern states
The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow land strip in West Bengal, linking the northeast to the rest of India. Its width narrows to about 20–22 km at its slimmest. Any disruption here—whether due to infiltration, insurgency or diplomatic crisis—can isolate the northeast states from the mainland, curbing troop movement, supplies, disaster relief and trade.
Emerging geopolitical context
Shekatkar’s remarks arrive amid growing reports of closer ties between Bangladesh, Pakistan and China—developments India views with concern given the proximity of these relationships to its sensitive eastern flank. He noted that India currently faces “three hostile neighbours—Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.”
A recent analysis in Financial Express flagged the Bangladesh–Pakistan strategic convergence and its implications for the Siliguri Corridor as particularly alarming.
Shekatkar’s key warnings and recommendations
Red flags he highlighted
- Bangladesh’s changing demography and infiltration concerns along the border near the Chicken’s Neck corridor.
- Alleged collusion between Bangladesh and Pakistan military/strategic apparatus that could shift the regional power balance.
- The vulnerability posed by the narrow terrain of the Siliguri Corridor, which India must fortify as a “weakest link.”
What India must do, according to Shekatkar
- Intensify surveillance and border management along the India-Bangladesh frontier.
- Improve infrastructure, alternate supply routes and logistic resilience for the northeast.
- Engage diplomatic and strategic tools proactively rather than remain reactive.
Regional reactions and strategic implications
State-level alerts
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, has flagged similar concerns: radical elements in Bangladesh reportedly are targeting the Chicken’s Neck corridor through propaganda and infiltration.
Broader security context
The argument is simple: If Bangladesh aligns more closely with Pakistan and China, India’s eastern flank becomes less stable. The corridor’s strategic significance is underlined by the fact that it supports both civilian connectivity and defence logistics.
Why this matters now
Defence & supply chain concerns
Should conflict or diplomatic tension break out, the Siliguri Corridor becomes a critical bottleneck. Disruption here would hamper movement to northeastern states, cutting off essential goods and military reinforcement.
Economic and regional integration risks
The northeast region’s economic integration with the hinterland depends on a stable link. Unrest or security threats would hurt trade, tourism, investments and regional growth.
Geopolitical leverage for adversaries
Shekatkar warns that nations like China and Pakistan could exploit Bangladesh’s proximity to the corridor to gain a strategic foothold. He argues that such a scenario demands nothing less than full readiness.
A collective responsibility
India stands at a strategic inflection point. The Siliguri Corridor isn’t just geography—it’s a national lifeline. As Shekatkar emphasises, we cannot afford a passive stance.
- Central and state policymakers must move swiftly to enhance infrastructure, intelligence and logistic support along the corridor.
- Defence and border forces must intensify surveillance, community engagement and rapid response capabilities in vulnerable zones.
- Civil society and media should maintain vigilance on border developments and hold decision-makers accountable for securing this vital passage.
By acting decisively, India safeguards not only a strip of land but the future of its eight northeastern states, their people and their integration into the national framework.
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