Lt Gen RC Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command, assesses the operational readiness and infrastructure progress in forward areas of Gajraj Corps and lays the foundation stone of Lachit Borphukan military station at Bamunigaon in Dhubri, Assam. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Amid changing regional dynamics following regime change in Bangladesh and concerns over China’s growing presence near the vulnerable Siliguri corridor, the Indian Army has strengthened its eastern border by establishing three new garrison posts.
The new installations include Lachit Borphukan military station in Assam’s Dhubri district and forward bases at Kishanganj in Bihar and Chopra in West Bengal, all located near the India-Bangladesh border.
A senior defense official said the move was necessary given the evolving security environment. The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land link with India’s eight northeastern states, is strategically crucial and the additional crews will strengthen surveillance in the region, the official added.
The newly commissioned stations are expected to boost the military’s operational readiness and improve coordination with the Border Security Force, which guards the Bangladeshi border.
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command recently visited the new garrisons, interacted with the soldiers and appreciated their professionalism and quick efforts in making the bases operational. He urged them to remain vigilant and maintain a high level of preparedness.
Wing Commander Himanshu Tiwari, Chief PRO, MO Kolkata, said Lt Gen Tiwari also laid the foundation stone of the Lachit Borphukan military station in Bamunigaon, named after an Ahom commander known for his leadership.
The Army acknowledged the Assam Government and the local administration for their support in enabling the station to be set up quickly, Mr. Tiwari added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly expressed concern over demographic changes in the border areas, which he attributes to illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
China’s continued development of border infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh remains a significant concern. In June, China held a trilateral foreign office consultation with its Pakistani and Bangladeshi counterparts in Kunming, an event some observers saw as an attempt to build regional ties without India’s participation.
Tasked with guarding Sikkim and the corridor, the Tri-Shakti Corps already has robust defense assets, including Hashimara-based Rafale jets, BrahMos missiles and advanced air defense systems.
The establishment of the new garrisons comes at a time when India is increasing military activity in the Northeast, including a major aerial display by the Indian Air Force in Assam and the Army’s Poorvi Prachand Prahar exercise near the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
Separately, on November 8, a Pakistan Navy ship visited the Chattogram port in Bangladesh, the first such visit since 1971, followed by meetings between the Pakistan Navy Chief and the Bangladesh Army Chief to discuss defense cooperation.
Deputy Army Chief Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh has previously noted that Beijing prefers to exert influence through Islamabad rather than engage directly, and that China uses regional conflicts as opportunities to test weapons and tactics.
Published – 16 Nov 2025 20:32 IST
