THE geopolitical map of South Asia has long been a theater of historical grudges, strategic rivalries, and shifting alliances.

Among the region’s most intriguing yet controversial possibilities is the concept of a “Greater Bangladesh” — a strategic framework that imagines the annexation or political integration of India’s Siliguri Corridor and the Seven Sister States Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura with Bangladesh. Though such an idea appears far-fetched, it holds fascinating implications for Pakistan’s regional policy and its long-standing contest with India. The “Greater Bangladesh” concept represents more than just territorial ambition. It embodies a geopolitical counterbalance to Indian dominance — a potential strategy that could weaken India internally and create a multi-front diplomatic and security challenge. The idea, however hypothetical, has roots in the demographic, economic and political realities of northeastern India and Bangladesh’s evolving regional aspirations. The Siliguri Corridor — often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck” — is a narrow strip of land, only 22 km wide, connecting mainland India with its northeastern states. It is one of the most strategically vulnerable point in India’s geography. Any disruption or control over this corridor would effectively cut off the Seven Sister States from the Indian heartland.

Encouraging instability or geopolitical realignment in this corridor could become a masterstroke in weakening India’s territorial integrity without direct military confrontation.........

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