India has significantly bolstered its military presence in the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor, also known as the 'Chicken's Neck", deploying advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems and French-origin Rafale fighter jets.
The move follows rising concerns over China’s expanding influence in neighbouring Bangladesh, which could pose long-term strategic challenges for India, said sources in the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
e access for seven northeasterThe military reinforcement comes in the wake of recent remarks by Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, who referred to his country as the “sole guardian” of maritimn Indian states. In response, Indian forces rapidly expanded their defense infrastructure in the region, particularly in the narrow land strip known as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
The Siliguri Corridor is a slender stretch of land in West Bengal connecting India’s mainland to its northeastern states. Surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and close to the India-China border, it holds immense strategic significance. Any disruption to this corridor could potentially isolate the Northeast from the rest of the country.
Indian military officials have strongly reiterated that the Siliguri Corridor is no longer a vulnerability but one of the most heavily secured zones in the country. It is now equipped for rapid response and large-scale troop mobilisation in the event of any regional threat.
To safeguard the region, the Indian armed forces have initiated comprehensive military upgrades, including:
Deployment of Rafale squadrons and MiG fighters at Hasimara Airbase.
1. Stationing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile regiments.
2. Installation of the S-400 Triumf air defense systems.
3. Activation of MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) systems.
4. Integration of Akash missile systems for multi-layered aerial defense.
These deployments are managed under the jurisdiction of the Trishakti Corps, which now serves as a critical command center for Eastern Command operations, overseeing strategic defense in Sikkim, North Bengal, and the Northeast.
According to the MOD, while Bangladesh has not signed any formal military agreement with China, the growing collaboration in infrastructure and defense has drawn attention in New Delhi. Reports suggest that China may be exploring the possibility of building military bases or airfields close to India’s eastern borders.
“India is closely watching these developments. Intelligence agencies have warned that increasing proximity between Dhaka and Beijing could significantly alter the regional security landscape— especially if military or surveillance installations emerge in the future,” said an MOD official.
A calculated response rooted in past experience
India’s latest defense maneuvers are part of a broader strategy to counter threats posed by both state and non-state actors along its eastern frontier. The importance of such preparedness was underscored during the 2017 Doklam standoff, when Indian troops blocked Chinese road construction in Bhutanese territory that could have given Beijing strategic access to the corridor.
Similarly, after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, India intensified its focus on strengthening border infrastructure and enhancing deterrence capabilities across sensitive areas, including the Siliguri Corridor.
Recently, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan visited north Bengal to review operational readiness and infrastructure upgrades. His visit signaled the government’s continued commitment to protecting India’s territorial integrity and responding proactively to changing geopolitical dynamics.
Analysts believe India’s military build-up in the Siliguri Corridor sends a strong message At the same time, these developments are likely to influence broader strategic calculations in South Asia, particularly as China deepens its regional engagements.
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