Lieutenant General Asim Malik, the chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), recently visited Bangladesh, marking the first such visit in decades. The primary objective of the trip was to establish an intelligence-sharing framework between the two nations, signaling a potential shift in their strategic relations. This visit follows a series of engagements between Pakistani and Bangladeshi officials, indicating a thaw in ties after years of hostilities. However, security analysts have expressed concerns that such cooperation could lead to activities that may destabilize India, particularly along its borders.

During his visit, General Malik and his delegation toured areas near Bangladesh’s Rangpur district, which is strategically located close to India’s Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck. This narrow land passage connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country, making it a highly sensitive region from a security standpoint. India has raised concerns over the visit’s implications, fearing potential demographic and geopolitical changes in the corridor that could impact national security. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that discussions during the visit involved the resettlement of Bangladeshi Muslims in the region.

The increasing military and intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh has heightened India’s apprehensions about cross-border security threats. Given the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, any external influence or activities in the region are viewed with caution. The corridor, which is just 22 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, is bordered by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south. This makes it a crucial transportation and communication link for India’s northeastern states. From a military perspective, the corridor is considered one of Indias most vulnerable points. Any disruption could severely impact the movement of troops and supplies to the northeastern states, especially in the event of a conflict. The corridor’s proximity to China further adds to its significance, as it could become a strategic hotspot in case of tensions between India and China. Given Beijing’s growing influence in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, India remains vigilant about any developments in the region.

Beyond security concerns, the Siliguri Corridor is vital for economic and infrastructural connectivity. It serves as the primary route for trade and transportation between India’s northeast and the rest of the country. Over the years, India has invested in strengthening infrastructure, including roads, railways, and air connectivity, to ensure the region remains integrated with the mainland. Any disruption to this corridor could have significant economic and logistical consequences. Diplomatically, India’s relations with its neighboring countries directly impact the stability of the Siliguri Corridor. Tensions with Bangladesh, Nepal, or Bhutan could create security vulnerabilities, while growing Chinese influence in these countries raises further concerns. In response, India has bolstered military deployments in the area, increased surveillance, and reinforced border management to counter potential threats such as smuggling, insurgency, and cross-border movements.

China’s strategic interest in the region cannot be overlooked. The Siliguri Corridor serves as a buffer between India and China, and any attempt by Beijing to exert influence over the area could pose significant security challenges for India. In times of conflict, control over this narrow stretch could be a decisive factor in military operations, giving China potential leverage over India’s northeastern states. Ultimately, the Siliguri Corridor plays a crucial role in India’s national security, economic integration, and geopolitical strategy. Ensuring its security is paramount not only for the free movement of people and goods but also for maintaining the stability of India’s northeastern states. Any external or internal threats to this corridor are of significant concern to India’s defense and strategic planning. Given the growing complexities in South Asian geopolitics, the region remains a focal point in India’s broader security framework, requiring continuous vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard its interests.

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