I am neither a political strategist nor a defence analyst. But as a keen observer of current affairs and shifting geopolitical landscapes, I believe that even an informed citizen can see what is unfolding in our neighbourhood — and what India must do to protect its interests.
In today’s interconnected world, no country can afford complete isolation. But equally, opening your doors to everyone indiscriminately could be perilous. What’s needed is a fine balance — a diplomatic tightrope walk with both friends and foes.
The Growing Threat: China’s Strategic Clampdown on the Chicken’s Neck
India’s vulnerability at the narrow 22-km-wide Siliguri Corridor, popularly called the “Chicken’s Neck,” has been well known. This corridor is India’s only land link to its seven northeastern states. But what’s alarming is the slow yet strategic encirclement of this region by China — not directly through war or aggression, but via subtle influence in neighbouring nations.
During the recent Operation Sindoor, China’s overt support to Pakistan once again underscored Beijing’s aggressive tilt against India. This strategic posture is increasingly visible through a multi-front encroachment — via eastern Nepal, southern Bhutan, and northwest Bangladesh — inching ever closer to the Siliguri lifeline.
Let’s examine these developments more closely.
Eastern Nepal: A Friendship Park or a Surveillance Post?
China has proposed building a China-Nepal Friendship Industrial Park in Damak, just 55 km from the Indian border. The park, backed by pro-China former PM K.P. Oli, raises serious concerns. Ostensibly for development, such infrastructure could easily double up for surveillance, logistics, and possibly even extremist infiltration.
India has expressed its discomfort to Nepal, highlighting the potential risks posed by Chinese-controlled units so close to the Chicken’s Neck. However, China’s growing economic footprint in Nepal often leaves Kathmandu leaning toward Beijing despite Delhi’s concerns.
Southern Bhutan: Mindfulness with a Hidden Agenda?
Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) — a proposed 1,000 sq km mega-city bordering Assam — is an ambitious project. While Bhutan remains one of India’s closest allies, the threat comes not from Bhutan itself but from Chinese attempts to infiltrate such development projects through investment or influence.
The possibility of Chinese firms operating near the India-Bhutan border has raised red flags in Indian intelligence circles. A foothold there could bring China worryingly close to the Siliguri Corridor from the east.
Northwest Bangladesh: An Airbase Near the Neck
Reports suggest that Bangladesh’s caretaker government has approached China to help revive the Lalmonirhat Airbase, merely 20 km from the Indian border. Though Bangladesh’s military has raised concerns internally, Chinese involvement would bring surveillance capabilities dangerously close to India’s vital corridor.
These developments reveal a slow but deliberate pattern — what analysts are calling China’s “Trident Strategy” — using soft power, economic leverage, and geopolitical posturing to box India into a corner without firing a bullet.
India’s Counter-Strategies – Time for a Chanakyan Approach
India must adopt a Chanakyan policy, guided by the ancient strategist’s dictum: “शठे शाठ्यम समाचरेत्” (sathe satyam samacharet) — “Respond to deceit with equal cunning.”
Here’s what India must urgently consider:
1. Forge Deeper Alliances in China’s Periphery
If China is tightening its hold around India through South Asia, India must counter by building strong partnerships across China’s own periphery:
- Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia — countries that often feel bullied by China — should be at the heart of India’s outreach, economically and militarily.
- India should collaborate on infrastructure, defence deals, and cultural exchange to build long-term alliances.
2. Strengthen Ties with Regional Powers Around China
India must forge stronger ties with democratic, developed nations in China’s vicinity:
- Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are natural allies who also feel the heat of China’s ambitions.
- These partnerships can blossom through trade, tech exchanges, defence exercises, and diplomatic support in international forums.
3. Rethink Old Policies – Tibet and Taiwan
India needs to re-evaluate the outdated One China Policy. In doing so:
- Recognise Tibet as an independent nation, or at the very least, raise its status in international conversations.
- Deepen ties with Taiwan, including economic partnerships and political support in global forums like the WHO and UN-affiliated platforms.
Such symbolic and diplomatic moves would hit China where it feels the most vulnerable — on questions of national unity and sovereignty.
4. Create an Indian Counter to Chinese Propaganda
India must form a dedicated department for information warfare — to:
- Expose China’s internal issues: unemployment, economic slowdown, human rights violations.
- Counter false narratives about China’s rise as a “benevolent superpower.”
- Support regional voices — from Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet — seeking autonomy or justice.
The Road Ahead: Multi-Front Preparedness
China will likely never engage India in direct warfare — the risks are too high. Instead, it will keep India distracted and divided through its proxy alliances and influence in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
Thus, India must always be war-ready on three fronts — Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh — while simultaneously ramping up diplomatic efforts and development in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion: Balance, Boldness, and Vigilance
In this age of geopolitical fluidity, India must be agile, assertive, and aware. The Siliguri Corridor is not just a piece of land — it is the lifeline to a large part of India. As China slowly spreads its tentacles around it, India’s response must be multi-layered — combining defence preparedness, economic diplomacy, and strategic global alliances.
Chanakya’s wisdom still holds true — deception must be met with shrewdness, and strength with strategy.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal opinions of the author based on public reports and geopolitical trends. It is not intended to serve as official policy analysis.
Source: Article from NavBharatTimes.com, 5 Jul 2025.