NEW DELHI: It was an unusual gift from Chinese defence minister Gen Liang Guang Lie to two Indian Air Force pilots -- Rs one lakh in cash.

The pilots were given cash in two envelopes after they flew the visiting minister by special IAF aircraft from Mumbai to Delhi on Monday, sources told PTI here today.

They said after seeing off Liang, the pilots checked their 'unusual gift' in sealed envelopes and then realised it was Rs one lakh cash in Indian currency.

The Captain of the aircraft then informed the Air Headquarters about the 'gift' and it was decided that the money would be deposited in the Government depository (toshakhana), the sources said.

They said the money could not be returned to the Chinese defence minister due to sensitivities involved in it.