On 21st January, as Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya celebrate Foundation Day, discover why these northeastern states are crucial to India’s security and regional strategy.
Today, 21st January, marks the Foundation Day of Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya. While the day is celebrated to honor the statehood, culture, and identity of these northeastern states, it also offers a moment to reflect on their strategic significance for India in the current geopolitical environment. Over the last decade, India’s neighborhood has witnessed growing complexities, and recent developments have highlighted the delicate position of these states, particularly amid tensions with Bangladesh and the increasing influence of China in the region.
The northeastern states are often perceived as distant or peripheral to India’s heartland. However, Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya occupy geographical and strategic positions that are crucial to India’s security and regional connectivity. They share borders with Bangladesh and are close to Myanmar, forming part of India’s eastern frontier. These states are essential to the Act East Policy, aimed at strengthening trade and cultural links with Southeast Asia. But beyond trade and connectivity, they act as the first line of defense and a buffer for India’s territorial integrity.
One of the most sensitive areas in this region is the Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the Chicken Neck. This narrow stretch of land connects the northeastern states to the rest of India and is barely 22 to 24 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. Any disruption or instability in this corridor can have far-reaching consequences for national security. The proximity of Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya to this corridor makes their internal stability and governance critical for India’s overall strategic security.
Recent diplomatic and regional developments have added a new dimension to the importance of these states. In recent months, Bangladesh has engaged with external powers on matters close to its borders with India, including contentious regional issues. While Bangladesh’s international relations are its sovereign right, such engagements in sensitive border areas have raised concerns in India. The involvement of China in discussions related to border issues, either directly or indirectly, has further increased strategic anxiety. In this context, northeastern states are not just administrative regions but key stakeholders in India’s defense and diplomatic posture.
Internal stability in these states is also a matter of national importance. Manipur has historically faced social and political unrest, Tripura has a complex demographic and insurgency history, and Meghalaya occupies a strategic location bordering Bangladesh. Any internal disturbances can potentially be exploited by external actors, affecting India’s security and regional influence. Ensuring peace, inclusive development, and strong governance in these states is therefore not only a domestic priority but also a strategic necessity.
The celebration of Foundation Day should also be an opportunity to raise awareness among the Indian population about the significance of these states. Many citizens remain unaware of the challenges and strategic importance of the Northeast. Greater public understanding can foster support for infrastructure development, economic investment, cultural preservation, and initiatives that strengthen national integration. Awareness is also vital for appreciating the subtle geopolitical pressures that the region faces, from shifting alliances to regional power plays.
Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya are integral to India’s vision of a secure, connected, and prosperous northeastern region. Their development, stability, and security send a clear message to neighbors and the international community that India’s borders are defended not only by the military but by the strength of its institutions and the resilience of its people.
On this 21st January Foundation Day, celebrating the unique identities of Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya should go hand in hand with a recognition of their critical role in India’s security and regional strategy. These states are more than cultural symbols; they are living guardians of India’s territorial integrity and gateways to its eastern neighbors. Protecting their stability and supporting their growth is a collective responsibility of the nation.
As India navigates a complex neighborhood, marked by strategic competition and evolving alliances, the northeastern states will continue to be pivotal. Recognizing their importance today is not only a tribute to their culture and history but also a statement of foresight, awareness, and commitment to safeguarding India’s future.
