“With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service in India’s defence and law enforcement agencies,” Sergey Chemezov, general director of Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec said in a statement.India and Russia had inked an agreement in December 2021 for procurement of 6,01,427 7.63x39mm AK 203 assault rifles through Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.Also read: India’s Mi-17s gets indigenous armour to stave off fire from small arms, snipersAK 203 deal was first announced in 2018The AK 203 deal was first announced in 2018, but hit a roadblock over price negotiations, with OFB quoting a higher price than what a direct import from Russia would have cost.Compared to the AK-103, which was originally meant for joint production, the AK-203 comes with collapsible stock that can be adjusted according to a shooter’s height.The Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited is headed by Major General Sanjeev Sengar, who is the firm’s CEO."