India and Russia recently finalized a deal for immediate “off-the-shelf procurement” of 70,000 new 7.62×39mm AK 203 assault rifles, according to a report by ThePrint, citing sources from the Indian defense industry. These rifles will replace the aging 5.56×45mm INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) that the army, navy, and air force currently use. The weapons are expected to arrive in India beginning in November.
India; Army orders 70,000 AK-203 rifles from Russia