New Delhi, May. 3 (PTI): Describing as "painful" the controversy surrounding the 1986 Bofors gun deal, Sweden today said the "ghost" has disappeared and his country was interested in selling more such weapon systems to India.

Visiting Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said the Bofors controversy had affected the defence relations between the two countries for about a decade and it was now time to move ahead.

"That ghost (of Bofors) has been there for quite some time...It (the controversy surrounding the deal) was a very painful affair for both India and Sweden," Bildt told Times Now on the controversy over allegations that kickbacks were paid in the US $700 million Bofors deal.

"I think this ghost has disappeared," he said.

Though Bofors company exists no more, Sweden has world class artillery producing know-how, he said while evincing interest in the Indian market.

He said the two countries are expected to sign an MoU for strengthening of relations, including in the field of defence.

Bildt, on a three-day visit here, met Defence Minister A K Antony. His visit assumes significance in the context of Swedish SWS Defence company being in contention for the sale of 400 upgraded 155 mm .52 calibre guns to the Indian Army.