New Delhi, Oct 23: India has agreed to Czech Republic's offer of protective equipment in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare (NBW), upgradation of T-72 tanks and MI series of helicopters. The offer was made during the talks Defence Minister George Fernandes had with Czech leaders, including Prime Minister Vladimir Spidia in Prague.

The two countries have also signed an agreement on defence cooperation and agreed to consider setting up a joint committee on defence cooperation which would meet annually to enhance defence purchases between the two countries. The two sides also agreed to increase the role of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) in the production of Czech heavy duty Tatra trucks for the Indian Army.

Fernandes, who is on a visit to Czech Republic, witnessed a live demonstration by a frontline unit specialising in NBW warfare counter measures.

Indian Army has begun the process of procuring NBW clothing for its frontline units and the Czech offer would be considered seriously, defence ministry sources here said. Czech Republic is one state which has a frontline technology in NBW warfare.

Bureau Report