Indian Army Strengthens Defences Around the Siliguri Corridor with New Garrisons

Context:

• The Indian Army has established three new garrison locations near the Siliguri Corridor, a strategically vital land link connecting India’s Northeast to the mainland.

• The move comes amid heightened regional security concerns, including China’s expanding footprint, changing political dynamics in Bangladesh, and demographic pressures in border districts.

Key Highlights:

Strategic Deployment / Security Measures

• Three new garrisons established:

  • Lachit Borphukan Military Station in Assam

  • Forward base at Kishanganj in Bihar

  • Forward base at Chopra in West Bengal

• These deployments aim to:

  • Enhance operational readiness

  • Improve surveillance and rapid response

  • Strengthen coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) along the India–Bangladesh border

Geostrategic Importance

• The Siliguri Corridor:

  • A narrow stretch, often called the “Chicken’s Neck”

  • Links eight northeastern States to the rest of India

  • Highly vulnerable to external pressure or disruption

• Any instability in this region has national security implications.

Command and Preparedness

• Lt. Gen. R. C. Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, reviewed the new garrisons.

• Emphasised:

  • High vigilance

  • Operational preparedness

  • Readiness to respond to evolving threats

Regional and External Security Concerns

• China-related factors:

  • Infrastructure build-up along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh

  • Trilateral consultations involving China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh

• Bangladesh-related developments:

  • Change in political regime

  • Visit of a Pakistan Navy ship to Chattogram port

  • Discussions on Pakistan–Bangladesh defence cooperation

• Internal concerns:

  • Alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh

  • Resulting demographic changes in border districts, flagged repeatedly by the Union Home Minister

Existing Military Capabilities

• The Tri-Shakti Corps already protects the region with:

  • Rafale fighter jets at Hashimara

  • BrahMos missile systems

  • Advanced air-defence assets

• Recent military activities include:

  • Air Force displays in Assam

  • Poorvi Prachand Prahar exercise near the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh

Significance / Implications

• Reinforces India’s deterrence posture in the eastern sector.

• Signals proactive adaptation to changing regional geopolitics.

• Enhances integrated border management and rapid mobilisation capability.

• Addresses both external threats and internal security vulnerabilities.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

GS 3 – Internal Security

• Border management and military preparedness

• Strategic vulnerabilities and force deployment

• Coordination between armed forces and border forces

GS 2 – International Relations

• India–China strategic competition

• Regional security dynamics involving Bangladesh and Pakistan

• Impact of neighbourhood developments on national security

GS 1 – Indian Geography

• Strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor

• Northeast India’s connectivity and geopolitical sensitivity

Prelims Focus:

• Location and significance of the Siliguri Corridor

• Line of Actual Control (LAC)

• Role of garrisons and forward bases

Mains Orientation:

• Discuss the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor for India’s national security.

• Analyse how regional geopolitical shifts necessitate changes in India’s military posture in the Northeast.