Siliguri Corridor

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• The Union Home Minister highlighted the significance of the Siliguri corridor as a crucial link to Northeast India and said that the presence of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the area comes as an assurance to the entire country.

About Siliguri Corridor

• It is also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck, is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the Northeastern States to the rest of the country.
• It is a very important strategic area of eastern India, located between Mahananda and Teesta river. 
• It holds critical military significance due to its proximity to international borders with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• Geopolitical Importance: It connects the Indian mainland to the northeastern states, serving as the only land link between them and the rest of India.
• Military and Security: Control over this corridor is vital for defense purposes and mobility of armed forces.
• Trade and Transport: The corridor is a key route for trade and transportation of goods between India and its northeastern states, as well as for connecting with neighboring countries.
• Strategic Vulnerability: Its narrowness makes it vulnerable to blockages, which could sever the connection between the northeast and the rest of India, making it a focus of strategic and infrastructural development.

Need for Securing Siliguri Corridor

• Strategic Connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the north east states, making it difficult for the government to supply essential goods, services, and military support.
• Military and Defense Considerations: It lies close to sensitive international borders, particularly with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Securing it ensures unhindered movement of Indian forces and supplies in the event of a conflict.
• Geopolitical Vulnerability: The narrowness of the corridor makes it vulnerable to blockages or control by adversaries.
  • Any disruption could sever India’s access to the northeast, giving external powers an opportunity to influence or destabilize the region.
• Economic and Trade Importance: It also facilitates cross-border trade with neighboring countries like Bangladesh. Ensuring the corridor’s security helps maintain economic stability and access to resources.
• Internal Security: Ensuring the security of the Siliguri Corridor is important for internal peace, as it helps prevent external influences from destabilizing the region and supports national unity.

Source: TH