Days after the announcement of India's decision to buy 72,400 assault rifles from US arms maker Sig Sauer, India and Russia has agreed to sign an inter-government agreement (IGA) to establish a joint venture (JV) to manufacture over seven lakh Kalashinikov' s AK200 series rifles. The production of these rifles is expected to take place at Ordnance Factory Board's Korwa plant. 

Indian Army is pursuing multiple tenders to replace its DRDO developed INSAS rifles. 

Last year, Russia was offering its the AK-103 for the requirement. In the JV, Indian side will have 51 per cent stake. 

Russia will provide technology, manufacturing know how and special materials.

On February 8, Rosoboronexport, in a release, announced launch of global marketing campaign to promote the AK200 series. 

“Export permits for the newest Kalashnikov AK200 series assault rifles have been obtained. From now on, Rosoboronexport may offer its partners the AK200, AK203, AK204 and AK205 versions, which will make their international debut at IDEX 2019,” said Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev.