New Delhi: AK-203 Assault Rifle deal between India and Russia may be finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the sources, the main attraction of the visit would be the finalization of the AK-203 assault rifle deal which would be produced in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The production of the over five lakh rifles by the India-Russia joint venture company would see a complete transfer of technology within seven years of signing the contract.
Of the 7.5 lakh rifles to be acquired by the Indian Army, the first 70,000 will include Russian-made components as the transfer of technology happens slowly. These will be delivered to the army 32 months after the production process begins.
India may sign another deal with Russia also for purchasing the Igla air defense system, but it may take a few months or years to be signed. The deal had been agreed upon between the two sides a few years ago and now the last major issue would be resolving the issues on the transfer of technology.
Sources further added that the Russian President during his one-day visit is also scheduled to hand over the model of an S-400 air defense system to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a symbol of delivery of the weapon system to India.
(Vinayak Barot)