Is Mohammad Yunus plotting something big against India? Alarm in eastern India as potential Chinese Airbase pose threat in…

New Delhi is on high alert following reports of China planning to build an airfield—possibly with military intentions—in Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat district, located dangerously close to India’s narrow and highly sensitive Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The move has sparked serious concerns in India’s security circles, especially after claims emerged that Mohammad Yunus, a senior advisor to Bangladesh’s interim government, may have extended an invitation to China for direct military cooperation. The development is being closely watched, as it could have major implications for India’s national security and regional stability.

According to a report in the Economic Times, after news of this possible airbase surfaced, Indian agencies began closely examining related intelligence reports. If such a plan between China and Bangladesh is indeed underway, it could pose a serious challenge to India’s security—especially along its eastern borders and the vulnerable Siliguri corridor.

While there are no official documents yet confirming the airbase, it’s believed that Mohammad Yunus may have discussed the idea with Chinese officials during his recent visit to Beijing.

Lalmonirhat district is strategically located in northwestern Bangladesh, very close to India’s Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts in West Bengal.

Is Mohammad Yunus plotting something big against India?

India’s Siliguri Corridor—often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”—is one of the most sensitive and strategically important regions in the country. This narrow strip of land in West Bengal connects India’s mainland to the northeastern states. It shares borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and is heavily guarded by the Indian Army due to its vulnerability.

So far, there hasn’t been any confirmed deployment of Chinese fighter jets near India’s eastern border. But according to experts keeping an eye on Bangladesh, even a proposal involving a Chinese military presence in this area could trigger serious security concerns for India. It could potentially endanger not just the northeastern states but also parts of Sikkim and West Bengal.

What adds fuel to the fire is a past controversial statement made by Mohammad Yunus during a visit to Beijing. He reportedly said, “India’s northeastern states—known as the Seven Sisters—are completely landlocked. They have no direct access to the sea. Bangladesh is the only gateway to the ocean for this entire region.”

In addition, Yunus also signed agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping to modernize Bangladesh’s Mongla port with Chinese funding. This project is worth USD 400 million. China has also committed another USD 350 million to expand the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram (Chittagong), and given USD 150 million in the name of technological support to Bangladesh.

Amid these growing ties between Dhaka and Beijing, Pakistan has also stepped into the picture. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on April 24, while Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch will arrive on April 17. This will be the first ministerial-level visit from Pakistan to Bangladesh since 2012, and several agreements are expected to be signed during the trip.

What threats could a Chinese airbase in Bangladesh pose to India?

The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land just 22 to 25 kilometers wide. It’s the lifeline that connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country. If this corridor is compromised or cut off, it would effectively isolate seven northeastern states from mainland India.

That’s why the possibility of Bangladesh inviting China to build an airbase just a few kilometers away is not just a geographic concern — it’s a potential military, political, and strategic provocation. If China does set up an airbase so close to this sensitive corridor, wouldn’t it try to take advantage of its proximity?

According to a report by The Eurasian Times, Mohammad Yunus has openly invited Chinese investments into Bangladesh, and significantly, he hasn’t ruled out the military potential of such involvement.

This move fits neatly into China’s broader strategy to encircle India — a geopolitical game plan often referred to as the “String of Pearls.” China already has a military or naval presence in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Kyaukpyu (Myanmar), and even Djibouti in Africa. If China gains a military foothold in Bangladesh as well, it would nearly complete its strategic ring around India.

Northeast India is already a sensitive region, plagued for years by insurgencies and separatist movements in states like Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam. A military presence near this area could further strain internal stability and heighten security tensions.

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