Siliguri Corridor and Doklam region face strategic security concerns

The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the ‘Chicken’s Neck,’ remains a critical national security concern for India. This narrow strip of land in northern West Bengal, measuring approximately 60 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers in width, serves as the sole continuous overland link between India's eight northeastern states and the rest of the country.

Its strategic importance is heightened by its location near the India–Bhutan–China trijunction, specifically the Sikkim–Doklam region. The Doklam area, situated near the Chumbi Valley, is a sensitive zone where territorial interpretations differ between India, Bhutan, and China. Control over high ground in the Doklam–Jampheri Ridge area is considered vital, as increased Chinese access could impact military and logistical positions near the Siliguri Corridor.

Historical shifts, including the 1947 Partition and the 1971 independence of Bangladesh, have solidified the corridor's role as an indispensable lifeline. Experts have suggested the establishment of the Siliguri Corridor Integrated Management Authority (SCIMA) to address the region's complex geopolitical, economic, and environmental requirements.