India strengthens ‘Chicken’s Neck’ as Bangladesh, China Eye Strategic Corridor

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is starting a two-day visit to Thailand for the Bimstec summit, New Delhi is closely monitoring strategic developments in the region. Bangladesh has sought a meeting between her chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, and PM Modi. Although India has not excluded the request, sources indicate that it is being considered. If the meeting takes place, this is the first personal interaction between PM Modi and Yunus, because this last year took office in August.

The background of this diplomatic involvement includes Yunus’ recent comments about northeast India And the overtures from Bangladesh to China for potential investments, which expresses concern in India about the safety of the strategic vital Siliguri -Gang, generally known as the ‘chicken’.

This narrow piece of land in West Bengal connects the northeastern states with the rest of India and is bordered by Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China. Given the recent geopolitical shifts, India has performed security measures to protect this crucial corridor.

Strengthening the chicken neck

The Indian army has described the Siliguri -Gang as its strongest line of defense, which gives potential threats against advanced military readiness. The Trishakti Corps, with headquarters in Sukna near the corridor, plays a key role in securing the region. This corps is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, including Rafale fighter jets, Brahmos missiles and advanced anti-aircraft systems.

Recent statements by the Indian army chef have strengthened India’s position in relation to the safety of the corridor. He emphasized that instead of being a vulnerability, the ‘chicken neck’ is the strongest military region of India, where forces from West Bengal, Sikkim and the northeast can be mobilized quickly in the event of any threat.

Multi -layer security measures

The Indian forces have taken extensive steps to improve safety in the region:

• Implementation of advanced military assets: The Indian Air Force has stationed a squadron of Rafale fighter jets in Hashimara Airbase, next to MIG aircraft.
• Brahmos Missile Regiment: A regiment of Brahmos Supersonic Cruise missiles has been used in the corridor to deter potential threats.
• Surface-to-Air Raketystems: India has stationed the S-400 rocket system in the region to prevent air raids.
• Mrsam and Akash Air Defense Systems: These offer an extra layer of security, thereby guaranteeing the protection of the air spaces against any infiltration.
• Regular military exercises: The Trishakti Corps often performs combat exercises, including live-Fire exercises with T-90 tanks, to improve operational readiness.

Strategic

India remains vigilant against evolving regional threats. The recent comments from the interim head adviser of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, together with the increasing presence of China in Bangladesh via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), are closely assessed. Security experts believe that the growing coordination of Dhaka with Beijing could form strategic challenges for India, in particular with regard to the safety of the Siliguri gang.

In response, India has strengthened its defense position in the region. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan recently visited North Bengal to revise operational readiness, with the emphasis on the dedication of India to protect his territorial integrity. The visit contained inspections of forward bases and high -level discussions about security strategies.

Historical context, future readyness

The importance of securing the ‘chicken neck’ became clear during the Doklam impasse 2017 when the Indian troops successfully contradicted Chinese attempts to build a road in Bhutanese territory that could have jeopardized the Siliguri corridor. India is learning from past encounters and continues to improve its defense infrastructure and readiness.

With advanced weapons, strategic commitment and continuous vigilance, India has strengthened the ‘chicken neck’ against any external threats. As the regional dynamic shift, India continues to be committed to guaranteeing the safety and stability of this vital corridor, which strengthens its position as a formidable force in South Asia.