Archive · 2 Jan 2026
India and Bangladesh: Geopolitical Tensions Over Chicken Necks
India and Bangladesh are worried about each other's narrow land strips called 'chicken necks.'
These strips are important for connecting different parts of their countries.
India's Siliguri Corridor links its northeast to the mainland, while Bangladesh has two similar strips that are even more vulnerable.
If one country cuts off the other's strip, it could cause big problems.
Both countries are taking steps to protect these areas.
Recently, Bangladesh's political changes have made things tense.
India is watching closely and has strengthened its military presence.
Both countries depend on each other for trade, but political issues are making their relationship complicated.
The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow land strip connecting India’s northeast to its mainland, crucial for logistics and military movements.
Bangladesh has two vulnerable 'chicken necks' that, if cut off, would significantly impact its territory and economy.
Political instability in Bangladesh, including the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has strained relations with India.
India has enhanced security and infrastructure in the Siliguri Corridor to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure connectivity.
Both countries are aware of each other's strategic vulnerabilities and are taking measures to protect their interests.
- Who
- India and Bangladesh
- What
- Geopolitical tensions over vulnerable territorial corridors and political instability
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalations in 2024
- Where
- Siliguri Corridor, Tripura Corridor, North Bangladesh Corridor, and Chittagong Corridor
- Why
- Strategic and economic vulnerabilities, political instability, and historical tensions
- Siliguri Corridor
- Narrow land strip linking India’s northeast to the mainland, approximately 10,200 sq km.
- Tripura Corridor
- Bangladeshi territory vulnerable to Indian military action, requiring a 95 km thrust to cut off.
- Bangladesh's Chicken Necks
- Two vulnerable strips: North Bangladesh Corridor and Chittagong Corridor, critical for economic and trade activities.
- Indian Military Presence
- World’s second-largest military with significant forces deployed in the eastern region.
- Bangladesh Military
- 204,000 active personnel, primarily equipped with Chinese and Russian hardware.
- Economic Dependence
- Bangladesh relies on India for essential imports and serves as a major market for Bangladeshi goods.
- Political Instability
- Bangladesh's 2024 political upheaval has strained relations with India.
- Security Measures
- India has enhanced security and infrastructure in the Siliguri Corridor to mitigate vulnerabilities.