Why Chicken's Neck Is A Perennial Security Challenge

The narrow Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck," is once again at the center of regional strategic attention — this time triggered by remarks from Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus during his recent China visit.

- Jayanth Jacob @ New Delhi

Jayanth Jacob @ New Delhi Yunus referred to India's Northeast as "landlocked," implying its dependence on transit routes through Bangladesh. The comments have sparked swift diplomatic and economic responses from New Delhi, revealing the corridor's deep-rooted strategic importance.

The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal that connects India's mainland to its northeastern states — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, collectively known as the Seven Sisters. This land bridge, just about 22 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, lies between Nepal to the north and Bangladesh to the south.

Its geographical fragility and criticality have earned it the nickname "Chicken's Neck" in strategic and military circles. Any disruption in this corridor — be it from military conflict, natural disaster, or internal unrest — would sever India's northeastern states from the rest of the country.

The recent tension emerged after Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's interim chief adviser, made pointed references to India's "landlocked" Northeast in Beijing. The comment implied India's dependence on Bangladeshi territory for transit to its own territory — a point India is deeply sensitive about.