The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, India, is often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck" due to its unique geographical shape and strategic importance. This slender passage, measuring approximately 20-22 kilometers (12-14 miles) at its narrowest point, connects the seven northeastern states of India to the rest of the country. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, the Siliguri Corridor is a criticalgeopolitical and geoeconomic corridor.

The name "Chicken's Neck" aptly describes the region's vulnerability and strategic sensitivity. Just as a chicken's neck is a fragile and vital part of its anatomy, the Siliguri Corridor represents a crucial yet potentially precarious link for India. Any disruption to this corridor, whether from military conflict, natural disasters, or internal unrest, could sever the northeastern states from the rest of the country, impacting nearly 50 million citizens.

The Siliguri Corridor's history dates back to the partition of India in 1947, which led to the creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This geopolitical shift resulted in the formation of a narrow strip of Indian territory that served as the sole land connection to the northeastern region. In 1975, the Kingdom of Sikkim joined India, further consolidating India's control over the area and the Chumbi Valley along with Bhutan.

The area is of immense strategic importance to India for several reasons:

• Connectivity: It is the only land route connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and military personnel.
• Trade and Commerce: The corridor serves as a vital trade route between India and its northeastern states, as well as neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. It supports the "Act East Policy," which aims to integrate the northeastern states with Southeast Asia for economic development.
• Military Significance: The Siliguri Corridor is crucial for maintaining India's territorial integrity and defense preparedness. It serves as a vital supply route for the Indian Army, particularly for accessing forward bases in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army considers the Siliguri Corridor its strongest defensive line.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: The corridor's proximity to China's Chumbi Valley, a tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China, poses a strategic challenge. The threat of a Chinese military advance that could cut off the northeastern states has been a long-standing concern for Indian planners.

Recognizing the corridor's vulnerability, India maintains a strong military presence in the region, with the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, and West Bengal Police actively patrolling the area. The Trishakti Corps, headquartered near the corridor, plays a key role in securing the region with advanced weaponry and strategic deployments. Regular security drills are conducted to ensure preparedness.

Recent developments have further highlighted the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor. Concerns have arisen over Bangladesh's growing ties with China and the potential for increased Chinese influence in the region. Statements from Bangladeshi leaders regarding India's Northeast as "landlocked" have also sparked concerns about potential disruptions to transit routes.

To mitigate the risks associated with the Siliguri Corridor's vulnerability, India is exploring alternative connectivity options, including developing railway networks through Bangladesh and establishing transit routes between different points on the Indo-Bangladesh border. The development of underground infrastructure within the corridor itself, such as tunnels for roads and railways, is also being considered to enhance security and reduce exposure to aerial threats.

The Siliguri Corridor, or "Chicken's Neck," remains a critical and sensitive area for India. Its unique geography, strategic importance, and geopolitical context make it a region of constant focus for policymakers, military strategists, and security forces. While India has taken steps to fortify the corridor and explore alternative connectivity options, the "Chicken's Neck" will likely remain a perennial security challenge for India.