New Delhi, March 7: As President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam prepared to leave for Myanmar tomorrow, India said the military-ruled nation was too important a neighbour to be ignored.

However, striking a delicate balance, India hoped that pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be accorded due respect and released.

The President?s visit to Yangon will see the implementation of several strategic projects undertaken by India. One of these is the Kaladan Multi Modal Transport project, an artery that will link Calcutta to south Mizoram, through the Arakan coast of Myanmar. India will start work on the project from Sitwe.

An agreement will be signed on the setting up of a ground station in Myanmar for receiving data from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite. The IRS data will be used for planning purposes.

The Indian Space Agency was involved in building the facility, which is now ready to be used.

The third major attraction for India is Myanmar?s vast resource of energy. Foreign secretary Shyam Saran said various options were being considered for the transportation of gas. One of these was to build a pipeline through the Northeast or Bangladesh. The other option was to convert the gas into Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), which would be convenient to ship.

Saran strongly defended India?s policy with regard to its neighbour, which has come under criticism. Despite smooth interaction with Myanmar?s military rulers, India would welcome the restoration of multi-party democracy in the country, he said. Saran also voiced India?s view that Aung Sang Suu Ki should be treated with respect. ?Her welfare and release would be helpful in the process of democracy,? said Saran.

During the visit of US President George Bush, Delhi had broached and explained its position on Myanmar. The US president had criticised the human record situation in the South East Asian nation and made a call for restoration of democracy. Singh had also conveyed to the visiting leader, India?s interests in Myanmar.

President Kalam?s visit is a first by any Indian president. He will meet the chairman of the ruling State Peace and Development Council, General Than Shwe.

He is also expected to visit the grave of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar and the revered Shwedagon Pagoda where Buddha?s relics are enshrined.

From Myanmar, the President will fly to Mauritius, where he has been invited as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration on March 12.