The Chicken Neck Area: A Strategic and Vulnerable Region for India
India’s north-eastern states, also known as the Seven Sisters and Sikkim, are connected to the rest of the country by a narrow strip of land in the state of West Bengal, called the Siliguri Corridor or the Chicken Neck. This region is of immense strategic importance for India, as it provides access to the north-east, which has a population of about 50 million people and shares borders with China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. The north-east is also rich in natural resources, biodiversity and cultural diversity, and has the potential to become a hub for trade and connectivity with South-East Asia.
However, the Chicken Neck area is also highly vulnerable to external threats, especially from China, which has been engaged in a border dispute with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Himalayas. China claims large parts of Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls South Tibet, and has also been trying to assert its influence in Bhutan and Nepal. In 2017, China attempted to build a road in the Doklam plateau, which is claimed by both China and Bhutan, and is located near the tri-junction of India, China and Bhutan. India intervened to stop the construction, as it perceived it as a threat to its security and sovereignty. The standoff lasted for more than two months, and was resolved peacefully after both sides agreed to disengage.
The Doklam crisis highlighted the strategic significance of the Chicken Neck area, as well as its vulnerability. If China were to gain control of the Doklam plateau or the Chumbi Valley, which lies between Sikkim and Bhutan, it could potentially cut off India’s access to the north-east by blocking or attacking the Siliguri Corridor. This would have serious consequences for India’s territorial integrity, national security and economic development. Moreover, China could also use its leverage over Nepal and Bangladesh to isolate India from its neighbours and undermine its regional influence.
To counter these challenges, India has taken several military measures to strengthen its defence and deterrence capabilities in the Chicken Neck area. Some of these measures are:
Deploying a regiment of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in the region. The BrahMos missile can hit targets at a range of more than 290 kilometres with high accuracy and speed. It can also be launched from land, air and sea platforms. The BrahMos missile can strike Chinese infrastructure and military assets in Tibet and across the LAC.
Inducting a squadron of Rafale fighter jets at the Hashimara air base in West Bengal. The Rafale is a multi-role combat aircraft that can perform air defence, air interdiction and strike missions. It is equipped with advanced weapons systems, such as Meteor air-to-air missiles, Scalp air-to-ground missiles and Hammer precision-guided munitions. The Rafale can also carry the BrahMos- air-launched cruise missile.
Upgrading the infrastructure and connectivity in the region. India has been building roads, bridges, tunnels and railways to improve the mobility and logistics of its troops and equipment in the region. It has also been developing border trade posts, airports and helipads to enhance its economic and diplomatic ties with its neighbours.
Enhancing the cooperation and coordination among the armed forces. India has established a joint command for the north-east region, headed by a three-star general. It has also created an integrated theatre command for the eastern sector, which will include all the land, air and naval forces operating in the region.
Conducting joint exercises and training with friendly countries. India has been holding regular military exercises with countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand to boost mutual trust and interoperability. It has also been providing training and assistance to these countries in areas such as counter-terrorism, disaster management and peacekeeping.
By taking these steps, India aims to secure its interests and sovereignty in the Chicken Neck area, as well as foster peace and stability in the region. However, India also needs to pursue dialogue and diplomacy with China to resolve the outstanding border issues and prevent any escalation of tensions. India should also engage with its neighbours to promote regional cooperation and integration under initiatives such as BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal). The Chicken Neck area is not only a strategic challenge for India but also an opportunity for regional development and connectivity.
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