India is taking decisive steps to reinforce its strategic position in the eastern and northeastern regions by reviving abandoned World War II-era airstrips. This move is driven by increasing security concerns along the Bangladesh border and a renewed focus on the Siliguri Corridor, often called the "Chicken's Neck".
The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow 22-kilometer strip of land in West Bengal, is India's only land link to its seven northeastern states, connecting them to the rest of the country. This makes the corridor a crucial strategic vulnerability. Any disruption to this passage could isolate nearly 50 million people and cripple economic activity in the Northeast. The corridor's vulnerability is amplified by its location, bordered by Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
The decision to revive these airstrips comes amid strained relations between India and Bangladesh, marked by political distrust and strategic realignment. India is particularly concerned about Bangladesh's growing engagement with China and warming ties with Pakistan, especially following the ouster of the pro-Indian government of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. These concerns are further fueled by reports of China assisting Bangladesh in redeveloping the Lalmonirhat airbase in Rangpur, situated close to the Siliguri Corridor.
Over the past year, extremist elements in Bangladesh have repeatedly threatened to sever the Siliguri Corridor, raising alarms in New Delhi. While Bangladesh has stated that the Rangpur base is primarily for its national needs, India is unwilling to take any chances.
The airstrips slated for renovation are Ambari and Panga in Jalpaiguri, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Jhaljhalia in Malda, and Dhubri in Assam. Cooch Behar in West Bengal and Rupsi in Assam's Kokrajhar district are already operational. These airstrips served as vital logistical bases for Allied operations against Japanese forces in Burma during World War II.
In addition to reviving airstrips, India has been strengthening its military presence in the region. This includes establishing new Army bases at Chopra in West Bengal, Kishanganj in Bihar, and Lachit Borphukan in Dhubri, Assam. These bases are designed to enhance surveillance and rapid response capabilities in the area. The Indian Army has also enhanced its drone warfare capability, creating specialized platoons and battalions for rapid deployment and precision strikes. The Trishakti Corps, headquartered near Siliguri, oversees the corridor's defense, conducting regular combat exercises. Aerial security is reinforced by Rafale fighter jets and BrahMos missile regiments.
The revival of the airstrips and the bolstering of military presence in the region are part of a broader strategy to safeguard India's territorial integrity and ensure seamless connectivity to its northeastern states. By integrating defense industries, logistics hubs, and strategic military bases along the corridor, India aims to enhance its ability to mobilize forces swiftly, monitor threats, and deter hostile activities. This proactive approach reflects India's commitment to securing peace and stability in the Northeast and responding effectively to emerging security challenges.
