NEW DELHI: In what can be dubbed as enhancing confidence building measure, the Indian Army on Thursday showcased its stable of Bofors gun system to the visiting Chinese military delegation at Sevoke military station in West Bengal.
According to sources in the defence establishment, "the Chinese PLA delegations were shown the Bofors guns." In 1986, India signed a Rs 1,437-crore deal with Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors for the supply of 400 155 mm Howitzer guns for the Army.
In the late 1980s, Bofors deal rocked the then government-led by Rajiv Gandhi after a radio channel in Sweden stated that certain Indian politicians and the defence personnel were bribed by the Swedish armaments firm to bag the deal.
An eight-member high-level Chinese military delegation, led by deputy commander of Western Theatre Command (WTC) Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu visited Sevoke Military Station as part of their two-day visit to Trishakti Corps.
Station commander Brigadier Abhinaya Rai received them and took them on a windshield tour of the station.
During their stay at the station, the delegates witnessed training activities of the soldiers, followed by a display of Artillery Guns.
Later, they had informal interaction with GOC of Striking Lion formation Maj Gen M K Sagoch.
The visit assumes importance for the troops of both the nations after an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan two months ago had agreed to give guidance to their respective military establishments.
The visit by Chinese military delegation is also seen as a significant step towards increasing interactions at a high level.