Recent statements by Mohammad Yunus, a caretaker-level figure in Bangladesh, regarding China’s potential use of Bangladeshi territory to access India’s landlocked North Eastern states, have ignited concerns about China’s strategic ambitions in the region, specifically targeting the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.”
Understanding the Siliguri Corridor:
The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow 60km long and 22km wide strip of land in West Bengal, serves as India’s sole land connection to its North Eastern states. Its strategic importance lies in its role as a vital military supply line and its proximity to Bhutan and China’s Chumbi Valley.
China’s Strategic Interest:
Analysts suggest that China’s interest in the Siliguri Corridor stems from its desire to establish regional dominance, not merely to sever India’s connection to its Northeast. Drawing upon the Heartland Theory, China aims to control this “land choke point” to exert influence over Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and the Bay of Bengal.
Key Concerns:
Doklam Crisis and Military Build-up:
The 2017 Doklam crisis highlighted China’s willingness to assert its presence in the region.
Reports indicate China’s construction of military positions, air defense bases, heliports, and air bases in the Doklam area, posing a direct threat to the Siliguri Corridor.
Regional Dominance:
China seeks to establish dominance over the Bay of Bengal, potentially hindering India’s naval modernization and its strategic partnerships with nations like the US.
China desires to control the oil-rich areas in the North East of India.
Destabilization Efforts:
Allegations of Bangladesh-based groups radicalizing Muslims in West Bengal, potentially creating instability.
The use of Salafi Imams to radicalize populations near the border.
India’s Countermeasures:
Manipur Stabilization:
Efforts to stabilize the situation in Manipur through President’s rule and military intervention.
Arakan Army Support:
Strengthening the Arakan Army on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to create a stabilizing force.
Myanmar Engagement:
Providing relief materials to Myanmar to strengthen ties and counter Chinese influence.
Nepal and Sikkim Influence:
Efforts to counter Chinese influence in Nepal and strengthen India’s presence in Sikkim.
NRC and Intelligence:
Implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and enhanced intelligence gathering to identify and address illegal immigration and radicalization.
Potential Rangpur Strategy:
The possible taking of the Rangpur district of Bangladesh, to widen the Chicken’s neck.
