A Clash of Geopolitical Interests

The geographical location of a state is crucial in international politics, often becoming a source of strength or a persistent vulnerability. India’s Siliguri Corridor exemplifies this, serving as a geopolitical "double-edged sword", a critical factor in maintaining India’s territorial integrity while also posing significant strategic risks. Often referred to as "India’s Chicken Neck" due to its narrow shape, the corridor connects mainland India with its northeastern states. Stretching approximately 60 km in length and narrowing to just 17 km at its thinnest point, this land strip is essential for maintaining a land connection between Northeast India and the rest of the country. Without it, the Northeast, which is entirely landlocked, would be cut off and only accessible through neighboring countries like Bangladesh or China. The corridor, therefore, holds immense geopolitical significance, not just for India but for the entire South Asian region.

Northeast India, comprising eight states - Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh represents a distinct and ethnically diverse region. Historically, it has faced political instability, insurgency, and demands for autonomy. The Seven Sisters (excluding Sikkim) have long been distant from India’s political and cultural center. Their proximity to international borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, and Bhutan adds to the region's geopolitical complexity. Ethnic conflicts, separatist movements, and socio-economic disparities have made the region prone to unrest, necessitating a strong military presence by the Indian government. Moreover, China’s territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as "South Tibet," further complicate the region’s security.

The strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor became pronounced after India's partition in 1947. Before partition, Bengal, including East Bengal (now Bangladesh), provided an easier land route to the Northeast. However, the creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) severed this link, leaving only the narrow Siliguri Corridor to connect the Northeast with mainland India. This shift transformed the corridor into a vital but vulnerable lifeline for India. Any disruption here could effectively cut off the entire Northeast, leading to its being termed India’s "Achilles’ heel", a small but critical weakness in an otherwise powerful nation.

In terms of national security, the corridor presents a constant challenge for India. The region has faced multiple threats from hostile neighbors, particularly during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. Indian military strategists feared that Pakistan could launch an attack from East Pakistan to seize the Siliguri Corridor, thereby severing India's link to the Northeast. These concerns intensified after India’s defeat in the Sino-Indian War of 1962, with fears of a joint Sino-Pakistani offensive looming large. This threat grew more pronounced with the Sino-Pakistan alliance of the 1960s.

Two significant developments in the 1970s altered the geopolitical landscape. Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 removed the threat from the south, and the integration of Sikkim into India in 1975 strengthened the northern security of the corridor. However, China has remained the primary threat. China’s growing economic and military presence near the borders of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim continues to challenge India. The 2017 Doklam standoff, where Chinese and Indian forces faced off over Chinese road construction in the disputed Doklam Plateau near the corridor, underscored China's ambitions to project power in the region. Doklam, located at the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China, is a critical point, as Chinese control there could bring its military presence dangerously close to the Siliguri Corridor.

Despite India’s military presence, the corridor remains vulnerable. Forces including the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), and West Bengal Police patrol the area, while intelligence operatives from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) monitor activities from neighboring countries. In addition to China’s looming threat, India also faces challenges such as illegal immigration from Bangladesh and attempts by Pakistan’s ISI to stir unrest through insurgents in neighboring Nepal. Landslides and natural disasters further complicate the corridor's logistical use, with its single rail line and limited road infrastructure.

China’s rise and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have only heightened the security risks surrounding the Siliguri Corridor. The corridor lies within artillery range from Chinese positions, and in a conflict, Chinese forces would only need to cover around 130 km to potentially sever India’s Northeast from the mainland. The PLA’s growing capabilities, combined with China’s infrastructure development in Tibet including roads, rail networks, and airfields near the Indian border further increase India’s vulnerability. In response, India has bolstered its military preparedness, fortifying positions in Sikkim and increasing surveillance, but the challenge remains substantial.

Since 2021, several key developments have impacted the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor. China-Bhutan border negotiations raised concerns about the Doklam Plateau, with China expanding military infrastructure near the region. Skirmishes between India and China in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in December 2022, highlighted the fragility of border agreements and underscored the security risks to the corridor. India has responded by accelerating infrastructure projects, building new roads, railways, and air bases to enhance connectivity with the Northeast, while boosting its military presence in the area. Strategic partnerships, such as with the U.S. through the Quad alliance, have further strengthened India’s defense posture. Improved relations with Bangladesh, including talks on alternative routes through rail, river, and pipeline links, could also help reduce reliance on the vulnerable corridor. India’s deployment of Rafael jets and enhanced surveillance capabilities has bolstered its defense in the region.

The narrowness and logistical limitations of the Siliguri Corridor hinder the development of Northeast India. The corridor serves as a lifeline for transporting goods, military supplies, and civilians between the Northeast and the mainland, but its capacity is insufficient to meet growing demands. Government initiatives like "Look East" and "Act East" aim to integrate the Northeast with Southeast Asia, but the corridor’s strategic vulnerabilities complicate these efforts.

Despite substantial military and infrastructural investments, the Siliguri Corridor remains a critical point of weakness for India. As China continues to expand its influence in the region, India must remain vigilant. The strategic value of this narrow land strip cannot be overstated; any disruption would sever the northeastern states, home to 50 million people, from the rest of India. This underscores the necessity for robust defense measures and continuous diplomatic efforts to manage regional and international tensions.

In conclusion, the Siliguri Corridor represents both an opportunity and a risk for India. While it is vital for maintaining territorial unity and economic connectivity, its strategic vulnerabilities remain a concern for Indian policymakers. The threat from China, coupled with logistical challenges and regional instability, requires India to maintain a strong military posture while also pursuing diplomatic solutions to mitigate these risks. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, securing the Siliguri Corridor will remain a top priority for India to safeguard its territorial integrity and national security.

 
Sanjida Nourin Jhinuk is a student in
Department of International Relations,
Dhaka University.