Indian security forces are keeping a close watch on the plans of Bangladesh to revive a dormant World War II-era airbase in Lalmonirhat in northern Bangladesh, near the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, also known as the "Chicken's Neck." The airbase is about 20 km from the Indian border.
Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch just 22 km wide at its narrowest, is the only land link between India's mainland and the northeastern states.
Bangladesh unveiled the plans to revive the airbase in March and has been seeking assistance from China for the same. The airbase, originally built by the British in 1931 and used by Allied forces during WWII, has been largely inactive for decades.
While the Indian security agencies are keeping tabs on the assets that would be kept at the airbase, they are also worried whether it will be used for training or deployment of futuristic aircraft as the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) currently controls the airbase. There is an active care and maintenance unit of BAF near the airbase.
ALSO READ: Did China send its largest military cargo aircraft with arms supplies to Pakistan?
“More importantly, we need to see if Bangladesh will allow other countries like China and Pakistan to use it. Bangladesh has the right to develop air fields for their security reasons, but that should not be used against India,” The Assam Tribune quoted defence sources as saying.
India does have enough reasons to be worried. Bangladesh and China have a robust and multifaceted defence relationship, with Beijing being Dhaka's biggest weapon supplier, providing tanks, large-calibre artillery, missile systems, fighter jets, and frigates to the country. The two countries also hold joint military drills. The proximity of Chinese-assisted military infrastructure to India’s borders is seen as a significant security risk.
China is also a major infrastructure development partner for the country, involved in the construction of roads, bridges, railway tracks and airports.
According to defence officials, there is a concern that the airbase may be used to keep track of India's military movement during conflicts. It could also become a hub for intelligence gathering.
