China, Bangladesh, and the Looming Strategic Shift Near Siliguri Corridor
In recent months, a series of seemingly unrelated developments have signaled a potentially major geopolitical transformation in the Eastern Himalayan region. Central to this unfolding situation is the Siliguri Corridor—a narrow, strategically critical stretch of Indian territory that connects the northeastern states to the rest of the country. This corridor has long been regarded as India’s Achilles’ heel due to its vulnerability and immense military importance.
Now, new moves by China and Bangladesh, coupled with indirect involvement from Turkey, are raising alarms in New Delhi.
1. A Pattern of Strategic Military Movement
India recently conducted the ‘Teesta Prahar’ military exercise near—and in—Siliguri Corridor. This exercise emphasized the area’s defense significance and India’s commitment to safeguarding it. However, this was followed by another critical development: India suspended textile trade routes from the northeast with Bangladesh, indicating rising diplomatic and economic tensions.
2. China’s Shadow Near Siliguri
The real flashpoint, however, is the revival of the WWII-era Lalmonirhat airbase in Bangladesh. Located just 12–15 km from the Indian border, this old airfield is now under Chinese scrutiny. Reports from Indian and international sources suggest Chinese officials have already surveyed the site, and there’s talk of transforming it into a modern airbase—with Chinese engineers and investment leading the charge.
This base, dormant since the days of British rule, could potentially provide China with a strategic foothold near India’s northeast. The implications are immense: in the event of military conflict, this location could serve as a launchpad for Chinese aerial operations, potentially boxing India in from the east.
3. China’s Long Game in Bangladesh
China’s deepening ties with Bangladesh are no longer limited to trade and infrastructure. Dhaka has been showing signs of drifting away from Indian alignment—seen in the decision to exclude India from the Teesta River project and bring in Chinese firms instead.
Moreover, speculation is growing that China may sell JF-17 Thunder jets to Bangladesh, potentially using Lalmonirhat as a service and training hub. If realized, this would give China unprecedented access and influence in a region India has historically considered within its sphere of influence.
4. Turkey’s Ideological and Strategic Infiltration
Adding another layer to the puzzle is Turkey’s rising influence in Bangladesh, particularly through NGOs and educational networks. According to observers, Turkey is using soft-power strategies to popularize ideas like “Greater Bangladesh”, hinting at expansionist ideology and possible future friction with India.
Statements by Turkish officials, including Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, have hinted at replacing India as Bangladesh’s primary economic partner. This is more than just trade rivalry—it’s a push to shift the ideological and strategic loyalties of a key South Asian nation.
5. A Former NATO Official’s Warning
A former NATO intelligence official from Turkey, active on social media and geopolitical forums, recently warned that India is being “squeezed” by growing Chinese presence in Bangladesh. He claimed that Pakistan might act as a subcontractor in the airbase’s construction—an unconfirmed but plausible possibility considering the China-Pakistan axis.
His key assertion: China’s intent is to strategically encircle India, with the Lalmonirhat airbase playing a pivotal role if conflict arises.
6. What India Should Consider
India finds itself in a difficult but familiar situation: over-cautious diplomacy in the face of assertive adversaries. Analysts believe that New Delhi needs to take bolder steps, particularly in its foreign policy regarding Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Building stronger alliances and establishing strategic narratives in global media will be essential.
There’s also a pressing need to counter Chinese and Turkish propaganda, especially in regions like Bangladesh where India’s image is being actively eroded.
Conclusion
The strategic environment around the Siliguri Corridor is shifting. A subtle but deliberate alignment is emerging between China, Bangladesh, and Turkey, with possible contributions from Pakistan. This is not just about military installations or trade routes—it’s about influence, ideology, and long-term strategic positioning.
India must respond swiftly, with clarity and confidence. Failure to act decisively now could mean ceding critical geopolitical space in one of the most sensitive regions on the subcontinent.