PM Modi inaugurated an Indo-Russian joint venture (JV)

On March 3, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an Indo-Russian joint venture (JV) that will manufacture the new 7.62×39 mm caliber Kalashnikov AK-203 rifle in Korwa near Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The Indo-Russia Rifles Pvt Ltd is a joint venture between India’s Ordnance factory and a Russian firm. It will produce the last series of Kalashnikov rifles in the Korwa Ordnance Factory. AK 203 is the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle. According to officials, the AK 203 guns would replace the existing India-made INSAS assault rifles in the Army, Air Force and Navy. It is to be noted that Amethi is the parliamentary constituency of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.