Burma and India have agreed a long-term plan to supply Burmese natural gas to India, reports BBC Online Friday.
The signing came during a landmark three-day visit to Rangoon of Indias President, APJ Abdul Kalam. He is the first Indian president to visit the country, a move that signals Indias growing determination to foster closer economic ties with Burma.
But as a democracy, India does face pressures about doing business with Burmas oppressive military-led government. India supports multiparty democracy and the release of Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
This latest agreement paves the way for the building of a pipeline, to carry natural gas from Burma to India, either via Indias north-east states or via Bangladesh.
India is sensitive to its competition for energy with China, as both countries fuel their fast-growing economies. China agreed a similar gas supply deal with Rangoon last year. Some in India were anxious about being left behind.
The delegation signed agreements on Burmese access to an Indian satellite and on education. There are also plans for a future rail link between India and Burma, possibly through Indias north-east, BBC adds.
