China-Bangladesh Relation / What is China-Bangladesh's plan on Chicken Neck? Double threat for India

China-Bangladesh Relation: After the recent visit of Bangladesh chief Mohammad Yunus to China, an important debate related to India's security has again come to the surface- the center of the discussion is the 'Chicken Neck' or Siliguri Corridor. This is the same area that connects the mainland of India to the northeastern states and whose geographical location is extremely sensitive for India.

Yunus made a shocking proposal to China- the offer to build a Chinese airbase in Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh, close to the Indian border. This statement has created a wave of concern among experts associated with India's strategic policy.

What is Chicken Neck and why is it important?

'Chicken Neck' is a 60 km long and only 21 km wide corridor located in West Bengal, which is also known as Siliguri Corridor. It is the only land route connecting India to its northeastern states.

States like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Sikkim are connected to India through this route. If this corridor is disrupted in any way, then eight states of India can be cut off from the main part of the country—this is a serious security threat.

Yunus' statement and new security crisis

In a statement given in China, Mohammad Yunus said that India's northeastern states are cut off from the sea and their global connectivity is possible only through Bangladesh. He even called Bangladesh the "sea guardian" of this region. This statement is being seen not only as a political but also as a diplomatic warning.

This is not the first time that the Bangladesh-China equation has become a matter of concern for India, but Yunus's inclination towards China has made the issue more serious.

Dragon's move: China's big plan

According to media reports and intelligence sources, China is working on a plan to establish its airbase in Lalmonirhat. If this plan comes true, China will become militarily active very close to the Indian border.

The presence of the Chinese army in the proximity of Chicken Neck can cause great trouble for India in any emergency. The statement of Pakistani political analyst Qamar Cheema also points in this direction that something big is brewing between India, China and Bangladesh.

India's double worry

China's aggressive diplomacy: China has long been trying to influence India's neighboring countries by making economic and military investments in them. Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan are prime examples of this. Now if Bangladesh also gets caught in this trap of China, then the danger for India will increase further.

Changed power in Bangladesh: India and Bangladesh's relations remained strong during the reign of Sheikh Hasina. But now under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus, Bangladesh's foreign policy seems to be leaning towards China. Yunus' recent comments confirm the anti-India stance.

Way forward: What should India do?

India will not only have to strengthen the security of the Chicken Neck, but it has also become necessary to increase dialogue with Bangladesh at the diplomatic level. The policy of connecting the northeastern states with alternative connectivity routes should no longer be a mere option but a priority.

At the same time, India will have to make its neighbors realize the need for balance by exposing China's expansionist policy on international forums.