General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, paid a crucial visit to the Headquarters of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) in Jaipur as part of his ongoing review of operational preparedness across the Western Theatre. The visit comes shortly after the conclusion of Operation Sindoor, a high-stakes military engagement that underscored India’s growing prowess in integrated air defence operations amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan.
During the visit, General Chauhan was received by Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of SWAC. He was briefed on the command’s strategic responsibilities in defending India’s western airspace, which spans the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra. Senior officers presented detailed updates on current and emerging capabilities, with a strong focus on air defence systems and inter-service coordination. General Chauhan praised the Air Warriors for their professionalism and operational excellence, particularly during Operation Sindoor, which he described as a testament to India’s technological edge and joint military effectiveness.
Operation Sindoor, conducted in early May 2025, showcased the Indian Armed Forces’ use of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The IACCS integrates inputs from ground-based radars, airborne surveillance assets, and communication nodes to generate a unified, real-time picture of aerial threats. The system played a decisive role during the four-day conflict with Pakistan, allowing Indian forces to carry out precision strikes while neutralizing multiple incoming threats. Reports suggest the Pakistan Air Force suffered extensive damage, including the loss of 20 percent of its infrastructure and 50 personnel, among them a senior officer.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff visited Headquarters South Western Air Command, as part of his ongoing visit to the Western Theatre. #CDS was briefed on operational matters by Air Mshl Nagesh Kapoor, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command, followed by strategic… pic.twitter.com/nsfcsHA4BK
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who assumed charge as AOC-in-C in May 2024, brings a wealth of experience to SWAC, including service as India’s Defence Attaché in Pakistan. A veteran fighter pilot, he has commanded both a frontline fighter squadron in the Central Sector and a major air base in the Western Sector. Under his leadership, SWAC has maintained peak operational readiness and has been instrumental in driving innovations in air operations and joint force integration.
General Chauhan emphasized the importance of synergy between the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy, noting that jointness is now central to India’s military doctrine. He specifically acknowledged the use of AI-enabled technologies and indigenous systems such as Akashteer, which enhance real-time coordination between ground and air forces. The CDS’s Western Theatre visit reaffirms India’s strategic focus on strengthening national defence capabilities amid evolving regional threats and complex geopolitical dynamics.
In a strategic visit highlighting the critical role of the Assam Rifles in India’s Northeast, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), Director General of the Assam Rifles, reviewed the internal security and operational preparedness of the force at the Headquarters of the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) in Kohima.
Lieutenant General Lakhera was received and briefed by Major General Manish Kumar, Sena Medal (SM), the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), who provided an overview of the current security dynamics in the region. The Director General praised the professionalism and dedication of the troops, acknowledging their contribution to the significant 70% decline in insurgency-related incidents in Nagaland since 2014, as per the South Asia Terrorism Portal (2023). This progress has been largely attributed to sustained military vigilance and the impact of the 2015 Naga Peace Accord.
During his visit, Lieutenant General Lakhera interacted with Assam Rifles personnel, appreciating their efforts to enhance combat readiness and strengthen ties with local communities. He underscored the force’s dual commitment to security and development—an approach that has earned them the title “Sentinels of the Northeast.”
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ASSAM RIFLES VISITS IGAR (NORTH), KOHIMA Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, DG #AssamRifles, visited Headquarter IGAR (North) at Kohima, #Nagaland on 19 May 2025 and reviewed the Internal Security situation and operational preparedness. He was briefed by Maj Gen… pic.twitter.com/Ei0vFZ0Bha
With 46 battalions and a strength exceeding 65,000 personnel, the Assam Rifles continue to play a pivotal role in counterinsurgency, border management along the sensitive 1,643-km India–Myanmar border, and community outreach initiatives, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Founded in 1835 as the Cachar Levy, the Assam Rifles is India’s oldest paramilitary force. Its unique operational model—under the Indian Army’s operational control and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ administrative supervision—enables it to adapt effectively to the Northeast’s complex socio-political and geographic landscape.
Lieutenant General Lakhera’s visit comes at a time when the region is balancing security imperatives with developmental aspirations, particularly in the context of India’s Act East policy and the volatile situation in neighboring Myanmar. His emphasis on operational excellence and people-centric service reinforces the Assam Rifles’ motto, “Service Before Self,” as they continue to safeguard national interests while fostering peace and prosperity in the Northeast.
In a high-stakes move reflecting rising regional tensions, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted a strategic review of security and operational preparedness in the Kashmir Valley. The visit follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 29, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, and further strained ties between India and Pakistan.
During his inspection, Lt Gen Sharma commended the troops for their proactive spirit and operational excellence, emphasizing the Army’s dual objective of dominating both the cognitive and physical domains. His review took place at a key Rashtriya Rifles base, highlighting the role of specialized counter-insurgency forces in maintaining stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
The visit comes shortly after Lt Gen Sharma assumed command on May 1, 2025, following a distinguished career that includes roles as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), Director General of Military Operations, and Director General of Information Warfare. His arrival at the helm signals a strong focus on strategic deterrence and information dominance in one of India’s most volatile theatres.
'Operational Preparedness Review'
Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander #NorthernCommand, reviewed security & operational readiness in the valley.
He commended the brave troops for demonstrating offensive spirit & unwavering professionalism during successful execution of… pic.twitter.com/tX3fzXVQ91
— NORTHERN COMMAND – INDIAN ARMY (@NorthernComd_IA) May 19, 2025
Visuals from the visit show the Army Commander interacting with soldiers, awarding commendation medals, and discussing tactical updates with senior officers against the scenic yet conflict-scarred backdrop of the Kashmir Valley.
The visit also coincides with a period of heightened military activity along the Line of Control. On May 7, 2025, the Indian military launched precision missile strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. In response, Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian jets using Chinese-made J-10C fighters—a claim not confirmed by India but one that has sparked widespread media scrutiny and diplomatic warnings.
The Rashtriya Rifles, formed in 1990 and operating under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), remains central to India’s counter-insurgency strategy. Its success in declaring areas like Doda and Tral militancy-free has been a cornerstone of India’s internal security efforts post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Amid growing external threats from China and proxy warfare by Pakistan, the Northern Command continues to play a pivotal role in India’s defense architecture, managing both the western border with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China. Reports highlighting the increasing deployment of Chinese-origin technology in Pakistan’s arsenal—such as drones, radar systems, and fighter aircraft—add urgency to India’s readiness initiatives.
Lt Gen Sharma’s review signifies a renewed operational push, blending counter-insurgency effectiveness with broader strategic deterrence. As the Kashmir Valley remains a strategic flashpoint, the Northern Command’s leadership under Sharma is poised to strengthen India’s military posture amid volatile geopolitical dynamics.
In a historic feat of endurance, cooperation, and mountaineering excellence, a joint Indo-Nepal military expedition successfully scaled Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain at 8,586 meters, earlier today. The climbers overcame extreme cold, perilous ice walls, and low oxygen levels to complete their mission, marking a significant milestone in both military and diplomatic history.
Led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh of the Indian Army and Captain Prashant Khanka of the Nepali Army, the elite seven-member team—comprising four Indian and three Nepali soldiers—reached the summit as the morning sun lit up the Himalayan horizon. Dressed in advanced Millet mountaineering gear and equipped with oxygen masks, the climbers stood united at the summit, their national flags fluttering proudly in the thin air.
This mission was part of a broader Indo-Nepal bilateral initiative launched on April 4, 2025, by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who flagged off twin expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga. The initiative aimed to deepen strategic and cultural ties through shared high-altitude challenges, fostering mutual trust between the neighboring armies.
— PRO (Defence) Dehradun (@PRODefDehradun) May 19, 2025
The Kanchenjunga summit, located on the India-Nepal border, is known for its technical difficulty, unpredictable avalanches, and harsh weather. Unlike Everest, Kanchenjunga sees fewer successful ascents due to its treacherous terrain. A 2023 study in the Journal of Mountain Science revealed that the peak’s success rate remains under 40%, making this expedition’s success all the more remarkable.
Colonel Sarfraz Singh—Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awardee and Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS)—brought vast experience to the mission, having previously summited Everest (2018) and led expeditions to peaks such as Mount Kangto and Trishul. His leadership, along with the strategic planning and resilience of both military teams, was critical to the successful climb.
This collaborative effort goes beyond the realm of mountaineering. It showcases the strong defence ties between India and Nepal, nations that share not just borders but military traditions, cultural bonds, and joint training programs. As border management and high-altitude warfare become increasingly important in the region, such expeditions offer real-time training and relationship-building.
The Kanchenjunga ascent by this joint team will be remembered not just for its symbolic value, but also for what it represents: unity, courage, and preparedness in the face of formidable odds. The mission highlights the shared commitment of both armies to peace, partnership, and operational readiness in one of the world’s toughest environments.
In a major breakthrough against cross-border espionage, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested Shahzad Wahab, a suspected Pakistani spy, from Moradabad. Shahzad, a native of Rampur, was apprehended on Sunday and has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. He has now been shifted to Lucknow jail as detailed investigations are underway.
According to ATS sources, Shahzad was allegedly working for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), engaging in both espionage and illegal cross-border smuggling. Investigators revealed that Shahzad smuggled goods such as cosmetics, spices, and garments between India and Pakistan, using these activities as a cover to transmit classified information to Pakistani intelligence operatives.
Shahzad is also suspected of traveling to Pakistan multiple times over the past few years, where he reportedly received instructions from ISI handlers and established a secure communication channel. In addition to intelligence gathering, he allegedly transferred money and Indian SIM cards to ISI-linked individuals within India to further their spy network.
Further investigation suggests Shahzad played a key role in recruiting individuals from Rampur and surrounding areas in Uttar Pradesh. These recruits were reportedly sent to Pakistan under the guise of employment or trade, with Pakistani handlers arranging travel documents and visas. The goal was to gradually infiltrate Indian systems through sleeper cells and agents.
Acting on concrete intelligence, the ATS carried out the operation and arrested Shahzad in Moradabad. An FIR has been filed at the ATS police station in Lucknow under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including serious charges related to espionage, national security violations, and aiding enemy agencies.
This arrest adds to a growing list of Pakistani espionage-related detentions across northern India. In the past month alone, at least eight individuals have been arrested in states including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for allegedly working with or being influenced by Pakistan’s spy networks.
The UP ATS has stepped up surveillance and counter-espionage operations in the wake of multiple intelligence alerts about Pakistan’s renewed efforts to lure Indian nationals—especially low-level government staff—into leaking sensitive information.
Authorities stated that the arrest of Shahzad Wahab is a significant blow to ISI’s local network in North India and reaffirmed their commitment to neutralizing espionage threats. Further revelations are expected as the interrogation and forensic investigation continue.
In a major boost to ongoing peace efforts in violence-hit Manipur, the Indian Army, in close coordination with Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, CRPF, and BSF, has apprehended 29 insurgent cadres and seized 28 weapons during a series of joint intelligence-based operations conducted from May 13 to May 18, 2025. The operations spanned multiple volatile districts, including Churachandpur, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Senapati, Imphal East, and Imphal West.
The recovered cache includes automatic rifles, pistols, grenades, improvised mortars, large quantities of ammunition, and other warlike stores. Visuals from the operation show a display of the seized arms laid out on a green tablecloth bearing the Indian Army insignia, alongside personnel conducting search missions in forested terrain and documenting the evidence at police facilities.
This latest crackdown comes amid the ongoing ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in 2023 following a controversial “Tribal Solidarity March” in Churachandpur. The unrest has resulted in over 260 fatalities, mass displacement, and widespread destruction of homes and public property. Armed violence and the illegal proliferation of sophisticated weapons have continued to plague the state, despite periodic curfews and administrative interventions.
— SpearCorps.IndianArmy (@Spearcorps) May 19, 2025
Local law enforcement played a critical role in the operation, with notable handovers of arrested individuals and recovered materials taking place at Kakching Police Station. Officials confirmed that all detainees and seized items have been transferred to Manipur Police for further legal proceedings.
This operation builds on a similar effort in October 2024, when 26 high-grade weapons, including M16 rifles, were recovered in Imphal East and Churachandpur. The repeated discovery of such advanced arms points to an alarming trend of militarization within local conflict zones.
Security officials stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling insurgency and maintaining law and order. “The success of these joint operations reflects the commitment of all involved forces to restore peace and protect civilians,” a senior Army official stated.
As Manipur continues to navigate a complex path toward reconciliation and stability, such decisive security actions underscore the resolve of Indian forces to neutralize threats, dismantle militant infrastructure, and promote lasting peace in the region.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan paid a significant visit to two of India’s most strategically located military installations—Suratgarh Military Station in Rajasthan and Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat. These forward bases, situated near the volatile India–Pakistan border, played a pivotal role in the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. The CDS’s visit came as a high-level gesture of appreciation and recognition for the critical contributions of the armed forces in executing a swift and decisive response to threats emanating from across the border.
Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this month, was a precision strike mission aimed at dismantling cross-border terrorist infrastructure. The operation was carefully calibrated to neutralize identified targets with minimal collateral damage and maximum tactical impact. It has since been hailed as a major success, sending a clear message about India’s willingness and capability to respond to provocations with strength and resolve. The CDS’s visit, timed shortly after the conclusion of this operation, served both as a morale booster for the troops and a reaffirmation of India’s uncompromising stance on national security.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan lauds air warriors' exceptional valour and professionalism in #OperationSindoor during his visit to Air Force Station Naliya. #CDS commended the Air Force and Army Air Defence units for displaying exceptional courage and grit in… pic.twitter.com/ePBdU188xT
General Chauhan interacted with officers and jawans deployed at both stations and expressed deep appreciation for their courage, discipline, and operational excellence. He underscored the critical role these bases played not only in the execution of Operation Sindoor but also in sustaining India’s strategic deterrence posture along the western front. Naliya Air Force Station, located barely 90 kilometers from the sensitive Sir Creek region, holds particular strategic significance due to its proximity to contested maritime boundaries and its role in securing India’s western coastline. Suratgarh, meanwhile, serves as a key staging ground for ground-based operations and integrated force mobilization in the desert theatre.
Photographs from the visit depicted General Chauhan standing with large contingents of troops, many of whom were positioned in front of India’s legacy air defence platforms, including the 2K12 Kub (NATO designation: SA-6 Gainful) surface-to-air missile systems. These Soviet-era systems, originally inducted decades ago, remain in service and continue to provide medium-range air defence coverage along the western sector. Although the 2K12 Kub’s performance in historical conflicts such as the Gulf War has been debated—with limited success against modern coalition aircraft—it still serves as a deterrent and layered component of India’s evolving air defence architecture.
The CDS acknowledged the need for continuous technological upgradation, but also noted the dedication and ingenuity of Indian troops in maximizing the operational utility of legacy platforms. He emphasized the importance of force readiness, interoperability, and adaptation in the face of evolving threats, particularly from state-sponsored terrorism and asymmetric warfare tactics.
In his address, General Chauhan urged personnel to remain vigilant, physically prepared, and mentally alert in view of the unpredictable security dynamics along the border. He also commended the synergy and coordination displayed by the Army and the Air Force during the execution of Operation Sindoor, calling it a model for future joint operations. His remarks reinforced the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with the resources and capabilities they need, while also honoring the indomitable spirit of Indian soldiers who serve in challenging environments.
The visit to Suratgarh and Naliya was not merely ceremonial—it served as a strong message to adversaries that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty with resolve and clarity. It also reaffirmed the trust and support of the military leadership in the abilities of frontline troops who stand guard at some of the most sensitive borders in the world. With regional tensions continuing to simmer, the CDS’s outreach highlighted the importance of constant preparedness, technological modernization, and unwavering commitment to national security.
The Army War College (AWC) in Mhow inaugurated a new session of its flagship Junior Command Course today, marking a significant step in preparing mid-level officers for modern operational challenges. Lt Gen Harjeet Singh Sahi, who took over as Commandant in August 2024, formally welcomed the incoming batch comprising officers from the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and allied foreign militaries.
In his keynote address, Lt Gen Sahi underscored the importance of adapting to evolving security threats, particularly in the cyber domain, which he described as a critical battlefield in contemporary conflicts. He outlined a forward-looking vision for the college, focusing on enhanced tactical training, inter-agency coordination, and fostering a culture of strategic innovation.
Held in a packed auditorium adorned with the institution’s insignia, the ceremony highlighted AWC’s central role in shaping future military leaders. Established in 1971 as the College of Combat and renamed in 2003, the Army War College trains 2,500 to 3,000 officers annually through specialized programs in tactics, logistics, and doctrine. Courses include the Junior Command, Senior Command, Higher Command, and Defence Management programs.
The Junior Command Course is tailored for officers at the captain and major ranks, aiming to build decision-making skills, operational planning capabilities, and leadership acumen required for complex missions. The presence of international officers—approximately 100 join AWC courses each year—demonstrates India’s expanding defence cooperation and the college’s growing global footprint.
Lt Gen Sahi’s leadership comes at a time when global security scenarios are increasingly defined by hybrid threats. Echoing past concerns raised by former Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, he called for a blend of conventional and cyber strategies in training modules. He also encouraged officers to contribute to the War College Journal, which promotes discourse on military strategy and operational innovation.
As the course gets underway, the Army War College continues to reinforce its stature as a premier institution committed to preparing officers for the multi-dimensional battlefield of the future, while advancing India’s leadership in international military education.
In a significant morale-boosting visit, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), toured the forward positions of the Indian Army’s Konark Corps in the desert sector to commend troops for their stellar performance during Operation SINDOOR. The operation, spanning from Jaisalmer to Kutch, demonstrated India’s robust defensive preparedness and joint operational capability along its western frontier.
Operation Sindoor, a coordinated effort by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), and Border Security Force (BSF), was marked by rapid deployment of surveillance and air defense assets, along with the precise positioning of weapon systems. This unified response neutralized multiple enemy threats, including drone incursions, ensuring complete area domination in a challenging desert terrain.
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS today visited #Laungewala, a site where bravery & sacrifice are etched in the nation’s history. He emphasized that the iconic battleground symbolizes the unwavering spirit and valour of the soldiers who defended the motherland against overwhelming… pic.twitter.com/hTvgZLJ3Ap
General Dwivedi acknowledged the critical role of synergy between the armed forces and civil administration in executing the operation with precision and effectiveness. He lauded the professionalism and endurance of the troops, who carried out their duties in extreme temperatures under demanding desert conditions.
Addressing the soldiers at Laungewala—an iconic site of India’s 1971 victory over Pakistan—the Army Chief offered a resounding “Shabash!”, honoring their courage, resilience, and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders. His interaction highlighted not only the tactical success of the mission but also the continued legacy of bravery associated with Laungewala.
Emphasizing readiness for future contingencies, General Dwivedi praised the Konark Corps for their integrated planning, swift action, and high morale. He reaffirmed the Indian Army’s focus on maintaining operational superiority and strategic deterrence in an increasingly complex security environment.
Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s growing emphasis on jointness and inter-agency coordination, setting a new standard in integrated defense operations and reinforcing national resolve to defend territorial integrity.
The Siliguri Corridor, often dubbed India’s “Chicken Neck,” is a strategically critical and narrow stretch of land—measuring just 20–25 kilometers wide at its narrowest—that connects the rest of India to its eight northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, this corridor acts as a geopolitical linchpin for India’s sovereignty and internal connectivity. In recent years, with mounting border tensions and China’s deepening influence in the region, this vital corridor has become the centerpiece of India’s security calculus and Beijing’s strategic aspirations. For China, the ability to threaten or disrupt the Siliguri Corridor would not only undermine India’s military and logistical cohesion but also offer a potential leverage point in any conflict scenario.
The origin of the Siliguri Corridor’s vulnerability dates back to the 1947 Partition of British India. The creation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) carved away most of Bengal’s eastern territories, leaving a thin tract of land connecting mainland India to its eastern frontier. The 1971 Indo-Pak War and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh eased some connectivity issues but introduced a new set of challenges as China began cultivating stronger ties with Dhaka. Over the decades, this corridor has remained a pressure point, with India investing heavily in military installations, border roads, and civilian infrastructure to prevent geopolitical isolation of the northeast. Yet, its geographic slenderness ensures that its strategic fragility remains unresolved.
Strategic Importance of the Siliguri Corridor
Geographically, the Siliguri Corridor is India’s umbilical cord to its northeast. It facilitates the movement of goods, military hardware, civilian populations, and energy supplies across the region. All major railway lines, oil and gas pipelines, and power transmission routes converge here, making it the most critical logistics artery for the northeast. What elevates its strategic gravity is its location—flanked by three countries. To the west lies Nepal, to the north is Bhutan, and to the south is Bangladesh.
Any military disruption or blockade here could sever India’s northeastern states from the mainland, creating a logistical nightmare and an existential crisis in terms of territorial integrity. This makes it a classic “chokepoint”—a geographical vulnerability that, if exploited by an adversary, could trigger a national crisis.
China’s Strategic Calculations
From Beijing’s vantage point, the Siliguri Corridor represents a golden opportunity for coercive leverage over India. China’s Western Theatre Command maintains a strong presence in Tibet, equipped with high-altitude acclimatized troops, advanced artillery systems, and long-range missiles. A rapid maneuver through the Chumbi Valley (near the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China) could, in theory, bring Chinese forces within striking distance of the corridor. The 2017 Doklam standoff was a direct result of such an attempt—China’s road-building near the Doklam plateau would have allowed it to dominate the corridor through elevated surveillance and firepower. More recently, China’s infrastructure upgrades near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and its covert interest in Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat airbase—just 20 kilometers from the corridor—underscore a clear intention to gradually encircle and pressure the corridor from multiple angles. China’s broader strategy appears to be based on exploiting the corridor’s fragility to coerce India diplomatically or gain the upper hand in a limited conflict.
The strategic targeting of the Siliguri Corridor aligns with China’s evolving military doctrines. Under the “Active Defense” principle, the PLA is trained to strike first if an adversary is perceived to be preparing for aggression. Chokepoints like Siliguri, which can paralyze a nation’s logistics and command networks, are considered high-value targets. Furthermore, China’s “Systems Destruction Warfare” model advocates neutralizing an enemy’s decision-making and logistic backbone, rather than simply winning territory. The corridor’s cramped geography, congested infrastructure, and command-dependent transportation networks make it the perfect example of a system vulnerability. Disabling or threatening this node could deliver asymmetric advantages to China without a full-scale war.
Beijing’s strategic approach to India involves both maritime and land-based encirclement. The “String of Pearls” strategy—comprising ports in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives—is complemented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that stretches across South and Southeast Asia. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the proposed BCIM (Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar) corridor are elements of this design. Siliguri sits at the intersection of this geoeconomic thrust and military ambition. Investments in roads, bridges, and airstrips in Nepal and Bangladesh aren’t merely economic—they serve as dual-use platforms for military logistics and surveillance, inching Beijing closer to India’s jugular.
Chumbi Valley and Dokhlam on Map
India’s Vulnerabilities and Response
India’s greatest liability is the corridor’s geographic and demographic fragility. With over 1.5 million people concentrated in and around Siliguri, the region is densely populated and economically congested. The corridor is narrow enough that a precision strike, a rail disruption, or an airborne landing could cut off the northeast for days—if not weeks. Despite some military modernization, the region still suffers from underdeveloped roads, limited redundancy in logistics pathways, and civilian infrastructure not designed to withstand war-like scenarios. Moreover, India’s northeast continues to be riddled with insurgencies, ethnic fault lines, and political grievances. These internal fissures could be exploited by foreign adversaries or proxy actors to cause unrest, complicating India’s response during a crisis.
India has begun addressing these vulnerabilities through a multi-pronged approach. On the infrastructure front, it is fast-tracking projects like the Shillong-Silchar Expressway, the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line, and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project to create alternate connectivity routes through Myanmar. Militarily, India has enhanced its posture with the deployment of the Trishakti Corps, multiple divisions of the Indian Army’s Mountain Strike Corps, and two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets at Hasimara Air Base, just 75 km from the corridor. Surveillance systems, including UAVs and advanced radars, have been installed along key axes. Diplomatically, India has intensified engagements with Bhutan and Bangladesh to counterbalance Chinese influence and maintain favorable border cooperation. Combined arms exercises involving air force, army, and intelligence units are now routine in the corridor’s vicinity.
Shillong-Silchar Expressway Route
Sevoke-Rangpo Railway Line
Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project
The Bhutan Factor
Bhutan is a critical piece in the corridor’s defense puzzle. The 2017 Doklam crisis stemmed from China’s road construction in Bhutanese territory—territory which overlooks the Siliguri Corridor. Bhutan’s geographical position acts as a buffer between India and Tibet. India’s defense cooperation with Bhutan, which includes military training and joint border monitoring, ensures that Chinese forces are kept at arm’s length from the tri-junction. However, China’s persistent attempts to negotiate territorial concessions in Bhutan, including its proposal for a “package deal,” suggest a long-term strategy to gain physical and political access to Bhutanese plateaus that overlook Indian territory. Maintaining Bhutan’s alignment with Indian security interests is therefore non-negotiable for New Delhi.
Bhutan Acts as Buffer Country
Global and Regional Implications
The strategic contest over the Siliguri Corridor is not just a bilateral issue between India and China—it has far-reaching regional consequences. A Chinese move against the corridor could drag in allies and provoke global attention, particularly from the United States, Japan, and Australia, all of whom are part of the Quad and have interests in maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific. Bangladesh’s increasing alignment with China through infrastructure and defense ties, including potential dual-use facilities, could create a pincer scenario for India. In a larger war, the corridor could serve as the first domino, triggering wider regional instability and global economic disruptions, especially in the Bay of Bengal and eastern Himalayas.
Local Dynamics and Demographics
Siliguri is not just a geopolitical asset—it is a living, breathing urban center. Its demographic composition includes Bengalis, Gorkhas, Biharis, and tribal communities, each with distinct identities and histories. Ethnic grievances, if manipulated, could erupt into unrest, providing cover for anti-national activities or external interference. The city’s infrastructure is overstretched; population growth and unregulated urbanization have choked transport arteries. This congestion is not just an economic problem—it becomes a strategic liability in emergencies, as it impedes rapid mobilization and evacuation efforts.
Technological and Cyber Vulnerabilities
The modern battlefield is not limited to guns and boots—it includes bytes and bandwidth. Chinese reconnaissance satellites have revisit times as low as four hours, enabling near-real-time surveillance of troop movements through Siliguri. Fiber-optic cables running through Nepal and Bangladesh, built with Chinese collaboration, raise fears of communication intercepts. PLA-linked cyber units routinely probe India’s transportation systems, targeting command networks and logistics chains. In a hybrid war scenario, disabling digital infrastructure could be as effective as a physical blockade of the corridor, leaving Indian forces paralyzed during the crucial opening hours of conflict.
Scenarios and War Gaming
Indian defense planners have run multiple simulations imagining a “Siliguri Blackout” scenario. Exercises like “Him Vijay” have tested the response capabilities of the Eastern Command under conditions where the corridor is cut off. Alternate air supply routes via Assam’s Advanced Landing Grounds (like Walong and Pasighat), or diversion through friendly Bangladeshi territory, are being explored. However, in a real war, such coordination would need to be swift, secure, and politically viable. Hybrid threats, including sabotage of rail lines or insurgent-backed blockades, are also modeled into India’s war gaming playbooks, underscoring the corridor’s multi-dimensional vulnerability.
Comparative Case Studies
Siliguri’s strategic fragility mirrors other chokepoints in world history. The Strait of Hormuz, vital for global oil shipments, has long been vulnerable to Iranian disruptions. The Fulda Gap during the Cold War was the expected route of Soviet tanks into West Germany, prompting NATO’s forward deployment strategy. Like these examples, Siliguri demands layered defense, redundancy in connectivity, and robust political foresight to avoid becoming the flashpoint of a larger geopolitical conflagration.
Strait of Hormuz
Fulda Gap
Way Forward
In the short term, India must bolster its digital and physical surveillance using AI-powered monitoring systems across key nodes like National Highway 10 and the Sevoke-Rangpo rail corridor. Frequent multi-agency drills involving Bhutanese and Bangladeshi counterparts can enhance response coordination. Over the long term, strategic diversification of access to the northeast is essential. Projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit route through Myanmar and the Chabahar Port linkage via Iran should be fast-tracked. India must also push harder for Quad-supported infrastructure investments to compete with China’s BRI and reinforce regional resilience.
Conclusion
Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Prakash Menon had said, “Siliguri’s defense hinges not just on troop presence but on pre-emptive diplomacy with Bhutan and Myanmar.”
Siliguri is not just a corridor—it is India’s jugular vein to the Northeast. With China’s encirclement tactics and dual-use infrastructure creeping ever closer, a crisis could emerge not from a full-scale war, but from hybrid pressure points: misinformation, insurgency, cyberattacks, or diplomatic isolation. India’s answer lies in a combined response—military preparedness, technological resilience, diplomatic foresight, and civilian infrastructure development.