In the realm of statecraft, there are instances where geography poses a threat to sovereignty, leading alliances to adopt a betrayal-prone façade. Today, India finds itself in a precarious situation. The Siliguri Corridor, India’s strategic “Chicken’s Neck,” is no longer just a vulnerability on a map—it is rapidly becoming a pressure point manipulated by foreign-influenced political actors in Bangladesh. The illegal rise of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel-clad figure draped in foreign agendas, is more than a domestic concern for Bangladesh—it is a regional provocation that demands our immediate attention and action.
“The Chicken’s Neck will not become a noose. And Bangladesh will not become a launchpad for regional destabilization on India’s watch.”
If left unchecked, this political inversion in Dhaka could transform Bangladesh from a buffer into a base for anti-India strategies, undermining decades of bilateral cooperation. India needs to activate its diplomatic and economic arsenal with precision, resolve, and strategic clarity, while keeping military options as a last option. The battle ahead will be one of influence, narrative, and non-kinetic coercion. However, it must also be abundantly clear through diplomatic channels that India retains the right to defend its sovereignty.
“Diplomacy is the chosen route, but deterrence begins with resolve. Operation SINDOOR is not symbolic—it is live.”
In this context, Operation SINDOOR, a broad-spectrum counterterrorism initiative, is a standing directive to protect Indian integrity across all domains. Though primarily a non-military doctrine, it reserves the capability to address threats emanating from any geography, including those that harbor or provide shelter to Indian insurgent groups. Its very existence serves as a strategic deterrent, reassuring us of India’s preparedness in the face of potential threats. The preferred path is always diplomacy, but the ability to shift posture must remain visible.
The Geopolitical Undercurrent: US and China in the Rakhine Context
Any discussion on Bangladesh’s strategic posture must also account for the escalating interest of global powers, particularly the United States, in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Ostensibly driven by human rights concerns and counter-terrorism agendas, Washington’s quiet yet growing engagement with the Rakhine region is also part of its larger Indo-Pacific strategy to contain China’s Belt and Road ambitions.
Rakhine offers deep-sea port potential and is adjacent to critical Chinese infrastructure. As the US seeks to counter Chinese entrenchment in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh may become a crucial piece under a pliable regime.
“India must not allow itself to be squeezed between two rival containment arcs—one led by China, the other by opportunistic Western pressure.”
In this geopolitical tug-of-war, India must affirm its primacy in the region. It must remain an equal, not a junior partner, in shaping outcomes. India’s regional diplomacy must ensure that Bangladesh does not become an accidental pawn in great power competition. Our leadership in this region is not just a matter of strategy, but a responsibility we must proudly uphold.
Interestingly, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, President Donald J. Trump responded to a question about Bangladesh with an unusual and pointed remark: “Bangladesh? “I leave it to India.” This candid statement, often overlooked, speaks volumes. It was both an acknowledgment of India’s regional leadership and a strategic handoff, signaling Washington’s disinterest in micromanaging Dhaka’s internal trajectory so long as it did not cross New Delhi’s red lines.
This must be understood for what it is—a window of opportunity. India has been given the diplomatic space to manage the eastern flank without excessive interference, provided it aligns with larger stability goals. That space must now be used with strategic maturity.
Leveraging India’s Soft Power for Strategic Gains
India’s soft power has long been a pillar of its foreign policy toolkit. In the context of Bangladesh’s strategic drift, this asset must be sharpened and selectively deployed to shift influence without aggression.
“Soft power without strategy is sentimentality. With intent, it becomes leverage.”
Education Diplomacy. India can recalibrate its outreach to favor Bangladeshi students from democratic and moderate backgrounds through targeted scholarships while denying access to politically affiliated institutions sympathetic to anti-India agendas.
Spiritual and Cultural Diplomacy. Promote India’s cultural influence by expanding the reach of the ICCR, organizing Ramayana and Tagore festivals in regions with traditional Indo-Bangla ties, and elevating Bengali language and shared heritage exchanges to counter narratives of hostility.
Health Diplomacy with Guarrails. Continue offering medical visas only through transparent criteria, excluding political elites and their dependents. This ensures humanitarian outreach while keeping pressure on the ruling class.
Diaspora Engagement. Harness the Bangladeshi diaspora’s voice abroad to pressure the regime. Forums and panels involving pro-democracy Bangladeshis can be organized in collaboration with Indian missions and international think tanks.
Think Tank and Academic Engagement. Encourage joint academic research and intellectual forums focused on regional stability and democratic norms. Bangladesh’s intellectual class must consider India the center for responsible thought leadership.
Media and Entertainment Diplomacy. Expand the broadcast reach of Indian media content, films, and educational programming in Bengali and regional languages. Counter disinformation with state-sponsored fact-checking initiatives. Promote cross-border cultural productions, highlighting shared historical struggles and presenting India as a reliable, culturally akin neighbor.
Faith-Based Engagement. Strengthen interfaith and cross-border religious forums to promote India’s secular ethos and create bonds across religious lines. Reinvigorate historic pilgrimage circuits and Buddhist exchanges involving Bangladeshi monks and scholars.
These instruments allow India to build strategic influence at the societal level, bypassing hostile regimes while reinforcing its image as a responsible regional power. More importantly, they enable long-term narrative dominance and reshape perceptions organically from within.
Role of Indian Border States: Unity Beyond Politics
The effectiveness of India’s diplomatic strategy towards Bangladesh also hinges on the internal cohesion of its border states. West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura share not just borders with Bangladesh but also deep ethnic, cultural, and trade linkages.
These states must prioritize national interests regardless of political ideologies or local affiliations. Federal unity in voice and action is essential to Project strength. Local leadership must be sensitized to regional threats and aligned with the central government’s security and foreign policy frameworks.
“Irrespective of politics and ethical relationships, it is important to be Indians first.”
State administrations should contribute to border vigilance, intelligence collection, and fostering people-to-people counter-narratives that neutralize propaganda from across the border. Collaborative governance between the Centre and the states will ensure the Chicken’s Neck remains fortified—physically and emotionally.
Conclusion
The Siliguri Corridor is not merely a geographic chokepoint but a symbol of India’s strategic patience. But patience cannot be mistaken for passivity. The rise of a regime in Bangladesh hostile to Indian interests, backed by adversarial foreign actors, cannot go unanswered. India’s greatest strength lies in its armed forces and ability to apply layered diplomatic, economic, and psychological pressure.
“India’s greatest strength lies not in firing bullets but in shaping battles through diplomacy, economics, and narrative.”
As Bangladesh flirts with instability and foreign patronage, India must act, not react. Through a coordinated web of diplomatic sanctions, economic levers, public diplomacy, and narrative warfare, New Delhi can contain the threat without firing a single bullet.
At the same time, India must be clear about its resolve. Operation SINDOOR is not symbolic but a live doctrine encompassing counterterrorism and national security measures across all spectrums. If Bangladesh continues to provide sanctuary to insurgents or enable adversarial encirclement, the consequences will be decisive.
“India respects friendship—but will not tolerate betrayal.”
The message must be unmistakable: India respects friendship but will not tolerate betrayal. The Chicken’s Neck will not become a noose, and Bangladesh will not become a launchpad for regional destabilization on India’s watch.