SIKKIM: A Chinese military aircraft allegedly crossed Indian airspace over Sikkim on November 12. The aircraft reportedly stayed in the Indian airspace for about 20- 25 minutes, despite repeated radio warnings from the Indian Airforce (IAF), a report by Outlook India stated.
The aircraft was reportedly detected by the IAF at around 8 am at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet. An unnamed source cited by the publication said the Air Force repeatedly contacted the aircraft by radio and asked it to return to Chinese territory. However, it allegedly continued operating in the area.
The type of aircraft involved, its precise flight path and the time it left the area have not been established. Outlook India said it had approached the IAF for a response and was awaiting clarification.
The location has strategic significance because of its proximity to the Siliguri Corridor also known as ‘Chicken’s Neck’ in West Bengal. The narrow stretch connects India's northeastern region with the rest of the country and is considered important for the movement of military personnel and supplies.
Sikkim also shares a border with China's Tibet Autonomous Region and lies close to the Doklam plateau, which witnessed a 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017.
The report prompted a political response from the Congress, which criticised the Centre and called for a strong protest against Beijing. The party questioned the government's response to the alleged intrusion and raised concerns over China's activities along the Indian border.
As of November 15, no detailed official confirmation of the reported airspace violation had been made public by the IAF or the Ministry of Defence. The circumstances of the alleged incident therefore remain unclear.
(With inputs from media reports)