China, Turkey, and Bangladesh: A Brewing Geopolitical Storm Near Siliguri Corridor

China, Turkey, and Bangladesh: A Brewing Geopolitical Storm Near Siliguri Corridor

By Snrlar | Analysis Rajat

India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor — often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck" — is emerging as a hotspot of geopolitical maneuvering. Recent developments suggest that within the next 1–2 years, a major strategic realignment could take place near this narrow stretch that connects mainland India to the Northeast. From China's creeping presence in Bangladesh to Turkey's ideological push, the region is witnessing a quiet storm that India must prepare to confront.China, Turkey, and Bangladesh: A Brewing Geopolitical Storm Near Siliguri Corridor

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🇧🇩 China Eyes Bangladesh’s WWII Airbase

The biggest red flag has come from Bangladesh, where China is reportedly exploring the revival of the World War II–era Lalmonirhat airbase, barely 12–15 kilometers from India's border. Multiple Indian intelligence sources and media outlets have confirmed that Chinese officials recently inspected the airstrip.

While currently disused and surrounded by farmland, satellite images reveal that the airstrip has potential to be developed into a modern Chinese-backed military base — one that could host JF-17 fighter jets which China has been trying to sell to Bangladesh.

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🇮🇳 India's Economic Retaliation and Military Exercises

India has already taken measures that signal rising tensions:

• Conducted “Teesta Prahar” military drills near the Siliguri Corridor.

• Suspended textile trade from the Northeast to Bangladesh.

These steps point to a growing concern over the strategic use of Bangladeshi territory by China, especially in light of the Sylhet–Teesta–Lalmonirhat belt becoming a staging ground for Beijing’s regional ambitions.

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🇹🇷 Turkey's Strategic Meddling: Ideological Infiltration

Turkey’s influence in Bangladesh is growing — not just diplomatically, but ideologically. Ankara’s long-term goal, as suspected by several geopolitical analysts, includes spreading radical narratives under the guise of charity and educational outreach.

Turkish NGOs are increasingly present in Bangladesh, subtly promoting the idea of a "Greater Bangladesh" — a dangerous narrative that calls for territorial expansion. This influence is being peddled not only in rural areas but also in elite academic institutions like Dhaka University, potentially shaping future military and political leadership.

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🧠 "Greater Bangladesh": The Ideological Trojan Horse

Echoing concerns from Israel and NATO-aligned nations, Turkey is seen as weaponizing its influence in Bangladesh to foster a radical mindset — one that could one day challenge India's eastern frontier.

With the backing of China and ideological support from Turkey, Bangladesh risks becoming a pawn in a larger strategic game — one that could escalate into real-world confrontations.

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🧭 Strategic Narratives and the Role of Indian Diplomacy

India, despite being economically and militarily stronger, is losing ground in the narrative and influence war. Global media outlets, including those in France and the US, have published articles echoing Pakistani and Chinese perspectives without verifiable evidence. These include baseless claims of Rafale jets being shot down and Indian losses in cross-border operations.

This calls for a massive overhaul of India’s global media strategy — not just through counter-narratives but by proactively engaging international platforms with factual data and satellite evidence.

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🔍 What Should India Do?

1. Engage Boldly on Taiwan and Japan: India needs to reciprocate China's provocations with calibrated strategic support to Taiwan and Japan, indicating a willingness to balance power in Asia.

2. Ramp Up Global PR Campaigns: Work with like-minded nations to counter Turkish and Chinese propaganda in global media.

3. Increase Engagement in Bangladesh: India must present a strong diplomatic and economic alternative to China and Turkey to prevent Dhaka from slipping further.

4. Invest in Intelligence and Soft Power: Promote Indian culture, education, and infrastructure support in Bangladesh to win hearts and minds.

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🚨 Conclusion

The shadow of the dragon is creeping closer to India’s vulnerable Siliguri Corridor. If unchecked, a Chinese-controlled airbase just kilometers from Indian soil, supported ideologically by Turkey and facilitated by economic desperation in Bangladesh, could tilt the strategic balance in the region. India must act decisively — economically, diplomatically, and strategically — to safeguard its borders and maintain regional influence.