Chinese aircraft reportedly violates Indian airspace over Sikkim, ignores IAF warnings

NEW DELHI, Nov 15: A Chinese military aircraft reportedly entered Indian airspace over Sikkim on November 12 and remained in the area for approximately 20–25 minutes despite repeated warnings from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to return to Chinese territory.

According to an exclusive report by Outlook India, citing an unnamed source, the IAF detected the aircraft's movement at around 8 am at an altitude of approximately 25,000 feet.

The IAF reportedly issued repeated warnings asking the aircraft to return to Chinese territory. However, the aircraft allegedly continued hovering over the area for another 20–25 minutes.

The reported incident has raised security concerns because the area overlooks the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the 'Chicken's Neck', which connects India's northeastern states with the rest of the country.

The narrow corridor, located in West Bengal, is approximately 20–22 kilometres wide at its narrowest point and is considered vital to India's strategic and military connectivity.

Sikkim shares a border with China's Tibet Autonomous Region and is also close to the Doklam plateau, where Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a prolonged military standoff in 2017.

No official confirmation yet

The exact type of aircraft, its flight path and the circumstances surrounding its departure remain unclear.

Outlook India reported that it had approached the Indian Air Force for an official response and was awaiting clarification. As of November 15, no detailed official confirmation of the alleged airspace violation had been reported.

The incident comes amid continuing security sensitivities along the India-China border, where military aircraft movements have previously prompted concern and responses from Indian defence authorities.