NEW DELHI, May 16: Indian intelligence agencies have received inputs indicating that Chinese officials recently visited the site of an upcoming air base Bangladesh is developing near the critical Siliguri corridor, also known as the ‘Chicken Neck’—a narrow stretch that connects mainland India to the northeastern states.

The air base is being constructed in Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh’s Rangpur division, just about 20 km from the Indian border. The site, which once hosted a World War II-era airfield, has become a focus of strategic concern for India, especially following Dhaka’s request for Chinese assistance in its development.

The air base project was first unveiled in March 2025 and immediately triggered alerts within Indian defence circles. Officials fear that its proximity to the Siliguri corridor could pose potential surveillance and security threats, particularly in the event of a conflict. Indian defence sources said they are closely monitoring the development, focusing on what kind of assets might be stationed there—whether for civilian use, training purposes, or deployment of advanced aircraft.

“What has raised concerns is that the air base may be used to monitor Indian military movements in a conflict scenario and also become a hub of intelligence gathering,” defence officials said. “It is not clear as to what Dhaka has planned at the air base,” they added, drawing parallels with the India-China standoff at Doklam.

There is growing unease over whether Bangladesh might allow strategic partners like China or Pakistan to operate from the base. “Bangladesh has the right to develop airfields for its security needs, but that should not be used against India,” Indian defence officials cautioned.

The heightened anxiety also stems from the fact that Bangladesh’s government advisors, such as Muhammad Yunus, have repeatedly made references to India’s Northeast region in various geopolitical contexts. Additionally, defence ties between Dhaka and Beijing have been deepening under the current regime, with China supplying substantial volumes of weaponry and supporting military infrastructure development in Bangladesh.

India has significant military assets in the Northeast and the Siliguri corridor region. The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps is headquartered near Siliguri, and the Hasimara air base—home to Rafale fighter jet squadrons—is strategically positioned within artillery range of the Lalmonirhat site.