India and Kalashnikov ink deal to make 700K AK-203s in the country (VIDEO)

By Chris Eger

The AK-203 is an update to the classic Kalash line that includes much more polymer and better ergonomics while keeping the same AKM-style action and caliber. (Photos: Kalashnikov)
Russia’s Kalashnikov Group and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated a new factory this week to produce the 7.62x39mm AK-203 rifle in quantity.
Home of the world’s second-largest military, the dedication of the Indo-Russian Rifles plant at the Korwa Ordnance Factory received wide media coverage both locally and abroad, with Modi saying the move was a boost to the government’s “Make in India” initiative on defense goods while providing much-needed arms.
“The AK-203, that will be manufactured in Amethi will strengthen our armed forces and help them fight terrorists,” said the Prime Minister at a time when border tensions with Pakistan over Islamic terror groups, which came to blows last week, are at a height.
The plant, of which Kalashnikov will have a 49.5 percent stake, is slated to produce upwards of 700,000 AK-203s for the Indian military. Part of the government-owned Indian Ordnance Factory Board, which controls the majority of the new venture, the concern will be headed by an active-duty general in the Indian Army.
The AK-203 has a traditional bayonet lug, can support

Source: Guns.com