India Unveils Strategic Plan to Secure the Siliguri Corridor
- Bangladesh International Affairs Pakistan South Asia
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 8 minutes read
India has announced a comprehensive security and infrastructure plan to safeguard the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken Neck Corridor, a narrow land passage that connects the country’s northeastern states with the rest of India. The Modi government’s plan was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit, where he emphasized the corridor’s geopolitical and security significance. The Siliguri Corridor, which is only 22 km wide, serves as India’s only land link to the Seven Sisters of the Northeast. Due to its strategic location, the corridor has been a key area of concern for India’s security agencies, as any disruption could sever India’s connection with its northeastern states, leaving them vulnerable to external threats.
The Indian government is strengthening the corridor’s infrastructure and security with the following initiatives:
- Railway Expansion – The Indian Railways will construct four new railway tracks to enhance connectivity and ensure the smooth movement of goods and people.
- Military Preparedness – The Indian Army has been conducting practice missions along the Bangladesh border, using advanced weaponry such as:
- Pinaka Multi-Launch Rocket System (Indigenous Artillery Rocket System)
- SPYDER Air Defense System (Israeli short and medium-range missile defence)
- Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) (Developed with Israel Aerospace Industries)
- Border Security Enhancement – Security agencies are closely monitoring threats from anti-national groups that have previously attempted to destabilize the corridor.
- Surveillance and Intelligence Operations – Security forces are keeping a close watch on infiltration attempts from Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as Chinese activities near Arunachal Pradesh.
Why is India Taking Action Now?
Historically, the Siliguri Corridor has been a vulnerable point due to: Cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh and Nepal. Geopolitical tensions with China, particularly near Arunachal Pradesh. Insurgent threats seeking to disrupt connectivity in the region. Recent developments have further escalated concerns: Political instability in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was reportedly forced out of power by Islamist groups. Islamist leader Jasimuddin Rahmani called for severing the Siliguri Corridor with the help of China, aiming to disrupt India’s northeastern connectivity. The Assam Police Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with Kerala and West Bengal police, arrested eight members of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a global terror group. The operation, codenamed “Operation Praghat”, was conducted on December 17-18 to counter insurgent activities.
The Two-State Solution Debate for Bangladesh
A growing debate has emerged regarding a “two-state solution” for Bangladesh as a means to protect the country’s Hindu population, which faces persecution. Some experts suggest that: Hindus should relocate to areas bordering India, where they can be protected militarily. India could support the creation of a separate state to ensure the safety of 13.1 million Hindus in Bangladesh. However, the Indian government has not officially commented on the idea of a two-state solution for Bangladesh. India’s proactive steps to secure the Siliguri Corridor reflect its commitment to national security and regional stability. With enhanced infrastructure, border security, and military preparedness, the Modi government aims to counter both external and internal threats. As geopolitical tensions in the region continue to evolve, India remains vigilant in protecting its strategic interests and ensuring uninterrupted connectivity to its northeastern states.
