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Context:

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

About Siliguri Corridor

• The Siliguri Corridor often referred to as the Chicken's Neck is a narrow stretch of land in the Indian state of West Bengal.
• It connects the northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. Its geopolitical, strategic and economic importance makes it a vital asset for India.
• The corridor is located in the northern part of West Bengal and spans approximately 22 kilometers at its narrowest point.
• It is bordered by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.

• It connects the North Eastern Region (NER) comprising eight states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura – to mainland India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• Geopolitical Significance: It connects the Indian mainland with the northeastern states and serves as the only land link between them and the rest of India.
• Control over this corridor is essential for defense purposes and the mobility of armed forces.
• The corridor is a key route for trade and transportation of goods between India and its northeastern states and also for connectivity with neighboring countries.
• Its tightness makes it vulnerable to blockades that could sever connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of India making it a focus for strategic and infrastructural development.

Need for Securing Siliguri Corridor

• Strategic connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the northeastern 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.
• Its security ensures the unimpeded movement of Indian forces and supplies in the event of a conflict.
• Geopolitical Vulnerability: The narrow corridor makes it vulnerable to blockades or control by adversaries.
• Any disruption could cut off India's access to the Northeast and provide outside powers with an opportunity to influence or destabilize the region.
• Economic and Trade Importance: It also facilitates cross-border trade with neighboring countries such as Bangladesh. Ensuring the security of the corridor 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 destabilization of the region by external influences and promotes national unity.

Way forward:

• Further Enhancement of Ties: Connectivity between India and Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan will inevitably increase the likelihood of developing the region as a transport economic hub and transshipment hub.

• Development and Economic Growth: Darjeeling has always been a center of education. Its schools and colleges have an excellent reputation in India and neighboring countries, which can be used to create a hub of education, training, and skills for students.
• Medical Hub: India's medical capacity is growing and demand will grow across the spectrum of medical services from India to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. 
• Tourism Boost: The Airports Authority of India is working on a project to upgrade Bagdogra Airport. Improvements to the airport will mean an expansion of the tourism industry. 
• The G20 events held in Darjeeling confirmed this huge potential. 
• Boom in Industrialization: The completion of the Northeast Natural Gas Grid project from Siliguri to Gangtok will transform industrialization. 
• Joint Survey: The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum highlighted the strengths of the tea and tourism industries and the "abundance of unexplored opportunities and untapped potential in agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy".

Conclusion

The Siliguri Strategic Corridor must be closely monitored to ensure not only its development to its full potential but also to safeguard the nation's security interests. A combination of human capital and location coupled with a suitable environment leads to the development of a region.

READ ABOUT

India-Bangladesh Relation

Sashastra Seema Bal 

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/siliguri-corridor-a-crucial-link-with-northeast-ssb-presence-boosts-security-amit-shah/article69009588.ece