Significance of Assam Defence Corridor in the Evolving World Order
Strategic Importance of Assam
- Assam, traditionally a frontier state, is now an economic and strategic linchpin.
- Investments from Dabur, Patanjali, Tata semiconductor plants, and logistics parks signal industrial growth.
- However, economic expansion requires security infrastructure, making the Assam Defence Corridor (ADC) crucial.
Defence Corridor:
- ADC was omitted from the Union Budget 2025-26, causing concern in the Northeast.
- Defence sector received the largest allocation (₹681,210.27 crore), with ₹180,000 crore for capital outlay.
- Defence capital expenditure grew at 1% CAGR (FY20-FY25), but defence spending fell to 1.9% of GDP (from 2.4% in FY21).
- India’s defence R&D remains low (2% of total defence spending vs. 13% in the US), affecting innovation in hypersonic weapons, AI, and quantum technologies.
Why Assam Needs a Defence Corridor?
- Strategic Vulnerabilities:
- The Siliguri Chicken Neck Corridor (22 km wide) is a critical chokepoint prone to blockades.
- Logistical delays due to dependence on distant supply chains.
- Security & Industrial Growth:
- Local defence production would reduce procurement timelines and enhance self-sufficiency.
- Assam’s existing military infrastructure, developed due to insurgency, can be leveraged.
- Economic Boost:
- Assam’s FDI inflows surged to $3.9 million (2023) but dropped to $1.83 million (July 2024).
- ADC could revitalize investment in defence manufacturing.
Potential of ADC in Atmanirbhar Bharat & Indo-Pacific Strategy
- India’s defence exports grew from ₹686 crore (FY 2013-14) to ₹21,083 crore (FY 2023-24).
- ADC can position India as a defence supplier for South Asia, offering affordable and battle-tested technology.
- Strategic connectivity via Myanmar’s Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project & Bangladesh’s Mongla Port.
- Can serve as India’s counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Indo-Pacific.
Way Forward for Assam Defence Corridor
- Dedicated Core Team:
- Must include army officials along with bureaucrats to ensure practical execution.
- MSME Defence Cluster:
- Upgrade Guwahati Technology MSME Centre into a defence manufacturing hub.
- Policy Stability & Investor Confidence:
- Avoid political interference; meritocracy should drive defence partnerships.
- Global Investors’ Summit:
- Focus on defence startups and advanced technology for long-term sustainability.
The Assam Defence Corridor is not just an infrastructure project but a geostrategic necessity. In Chanakya’s words, “The king shall lose no time when the opportunity awaits.” Assam is that opportunity—India must not squander it.
