India, June 14 -- Bhutan's bold Gelephu project offers India a strategic opportunity-economic partnership, regional stability, and soft power near the sensitive China border.

Most of the northeastern borders of India have been in focus due to the conflicts in Myanmar and the political chaos in Bangladesh. However, amidst the dire predictions that have followed, there is a small 699 km stretch in the northeast region that remains virtually unaffected. It has never seen any conflict with India, has zero political instability, and no simmering nationalisms manifesting as anti-India sentiments. The Bhutan border touches the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim, with border crossings in Jaigaon & Chamurchi, Alipurduar d...