As per reports Chinese officials recently visited the site of a new air base under construction in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh, close to India’s strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken Neck.” The air base, located in Bangladesh’s Rangpur division, is just 20 km from the Indian border and is being developed with Chinese assistance. The project, unveiled in March 2025, has heightened alertness among Indian defense forces, particularly in the eastern sector.

The site at Lalmonirhat, which previously housed a World War II-era airfield, has raised concerns due to its proximity to India and the deepening defense ties between Dhaka and Beijing under Bangladesh’s new regime. Indian officials are closely monitoring the assets planned for the air base, seeking clarity on whether it will serve civilian purposes, training operations, or house advanced military aircraft. “There are concerns that the air base could be used to monitor Indian military movements during a conflict or serve as an intelligence-gathering hub,” an official stated, referencing past tensions such as the India-China standoff at Doklam as per Assam Tribune.

The development comes amid repeated mentions of India’s Northeast by Bangladesh’s advisor Muhammad Yunus and his aides in various contexts, further fueling Indian concerns. India maintains a robust military presence in the region, with the Trishakti Corps headquartered near Siliguri and Rafale squadrons stationed at the Hasimara air base in the Siliguri Corridor. The Lalmonirhat air base also falls within the striking range of Indian artillery.

China’s growing role in Bangladesh’s military infrastructure, including the supply of significant volumes of weapons, has added to the unease. Indian agencies are maintaining vigilant oversight to assess the strategic implications of the air base and its potential impact on regional security dynamics.