As Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the AK-203 rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi on Sunday, Russian President Vladimri Putin wrote a note to Indians saying the country's needs of national security will be fulfilled with the advanced Russian technologies and also create new jobs.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the AK-203 rifle manufacturing unit in Amethi on Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote a note to Indians saying the country's needs of national security will be fulfilled with the advanced Russian technologies and also create new jobs.

Putin wrote in his note, "The new joint venture will manufacture world famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localisation of production. Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfil the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies."

PM Modi, on the other hand, thanked Russia and said, "One of the most advanced rifles in world AK-203 will be made in Amethi. It will be made by a joint-venture of India and Russia. I express my gratitude to my friend President Vladimir Putin. This venture was made possible in such a short time by his support."

Putin also said that the new rifle manufacturing unit will boost India's defence and also create new jobs.

Here's Vladimir Putin's full note:

"Dear friends!

I welcome you at the launch of the Russian-Indian enterprise for production of Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Military and technical cooperation has traditionally been one of the key areas of special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India. For more than seven decades, we have been supplying reliable and high-quality armaments and equipment to Indian friends. Around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India with assistance from our country.

The new joint venture will manufacture world famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localization of production. Thus, the Indian defence-industrial sector will have the opportunity to fulfill the needs of national security agencies in this category of small arms, resting upon advanced Russian technologies.

Let me remind you that it was during my official visit to India last October that my counterpart and friend Mr Modi and I reached the agreement on setting up Kalashnikov production in this country. The respective intergovernmental agreement was prepared and signed in the shortest possible time. In this regard, I would like to express gratitude to Russian and Indian specialists, to all those who so promptly made this project happen.

I am convinced that commissioning of the new enterprise will contribute to

stronger defence potential of India, to further advance of the scientific and industrial basis of the national economy, will be instrumental in terms of creating new jobs for qualified work force, and will provide an impetus to professional education and personnel training. The plant itself will become another symbol of friendship and constructive cooperation between our two countries.

I wish you every success and all the best".