Defence ministry clears Army's case for 73,000 more assault rifles from US

The defence ministry has approved the import of 73,000 SiG Sauer assault rifles from the US, adding to the previous purchase of 72,400 such guns. The rifles will be used by frontline troops amid delays in the production of Russian AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles in India. The approval for the additional rifles was granted by the Defence Acquisitions Council. The move comes as military confrontation with China continues in eastern Ladakh and delivery of the AK-203 rifles is yet to begin