India-China Relation / China is preparing to surround India from Bangladesh airfield

India-China Relation: China's strategic eyes are now on Bangladesh's northern district Lalmonirhat, which is located very close to India's sensitive "Chicken Neck" or Siliguri Corridor. In May, a large delegation led by China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is visiting Dhaka. This visit indicates not just a business, but a deeper geopolitical strategy - China's plan to invest in Lalmonirhat airfield.

Lalmonirhat: Historical and strategic background

Lalmonirhat airfield, once Asia's second largest airport, came into existence as a military airbase in 1931. It is one of the nine major bases of the Bangladesh Air Force and is located only a few kilometers from the Indian border. The geographical location of this airfield adjacent to Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri districts of West Bengal makes it strategically extremely sensitive for India.

China's intention: Investment or strategic encirclement?

According to sources, China wants to develop this airfield as a "dual use" airbase. This means that it may be a civilian airport for appearance, but it will have full capacity for military activities and storage of weapons. This is part of China's traditional "soft infrastructure policy", in which the main objective is to gain strategic advantage under the guise of investment and construction.

This move of China can be another link in the expansion of its influence in South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). If this happens, it can directly become a big challenge for India in the security and sphere of influence.

Role of Bangladesh: Opportunity or imbalance?

The interim government of Bangladesh currently appears positive about China's proposals. Recently, after the visit of Prime Minister's advisor Mohammad Yunus to Beijing, China has been invited to invest. Given the deadlock between India and Bangladesh on issues like Teesta water dispute, China's intervention can create opportunities for Bangladesh and imbalance for India.

India's Concerns: Security, Surveillance and Geopolitical Threats

Strategic Location: The Siliguri Corridor is a lifeline for India, connecting the north-eastern states to the rest of India. Any military activity near this area can have a direct impact on India's sovereignty.

Surveillance and Intelligence Threat: If Lalmonirhat is used as an intelligence hub, it can allow China to monitor India's military movements and communication networks.

Strategic Encirclement: China's growing presence in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and now Bangladesh points to a strategy to encircle India from all sides. This may be a recurrence of a kind of "String of Pearls" strategy.

Diplomatic Challenge: India-Bangladesh relations have traditionally been strong, but China's deepening investment and influence may change the direction of this relationship.

India's Response: Vigilance and Military Strength

India has taken this development seriously. Security agencies are constantly monitoring and analysing intelligence. At the same time, India is strengthening military infrastructure in border areas — such as building the world’s highest fighter airbase at Nyoma in Ladakh.

Will tensions escalate?

The growing closeness between China and Bangladesh over the Lalmonirhat airfield is certainly a wake-up call for India’s security and strategic policy. If this project materialises, it will not only challenge India-Bangladesh relations but could also take India-China tensions to new heights. For India, it is time for strategic patience and diplomatic proactiveness — so that it can maintain its traditional leadership role in South Asia.