Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit, defence ministry clears AK-203 deal

The Russian-designed AK-203 will be made in a new factory in Uttar Pradesh and both countries have agreed on the deal in terms of numbers, price, and process.

Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India starting December 5, the defence ministry has cleared the deal for manufacturing 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' initiative.

“A Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting today gave its final approval to the over Rs 5000 crore Kalashnikov deal which will be made in Amethi in joint venture,” defence sources said.