India, Myanmar sign MoU in energy cooperation, remote sensing

Yangon, Mar 9: India and Myanmar today (Mar 9, 2006) signed three important agreements, including one on cooperation in petroleum sector that would enable India to explore gas from the Arakan gas field to meet its growing energy needs.

The other agreements are in the field of remote sensing under which India would assist Myanmar in setting up a remote sensing centre.

An agreement on cooperation in Buddhist studies was also signed between the two countries.

The agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between President APJ Abdul Kalam and Myanmarese Senior General Than Shwe during which a whole range of bilateral and regional issues came up for discussion.

The agreement signing ceremony was held in the presence of the two leaders. Under the MoU in energy cooperation, India is planning to import gas from the Arakan gas field by building a pipeline.

The other option before the government is to convert the gas into liquefied natural gas for shipment to the nearest Indian port.

Talks are also going on with Bangladesh on laying of a pipeline through its territory.

Myanmar is to benefit from India's advanced knowledged in remote sensing under the agreement to set up a centre, which would help in weather forecast for its farmers.

UNI