Russia rejects Pakistan to request 50,000 AK rifles, assures India of no deals in future
Pakistan’s offer to purchase new-generation Kalashnikov rifles, widely called AK, has refused by the Russian Government. To assure India that there would be no military agreement with Islamabad. The Print has stated that India was aware of the refusal earlier this year from top sources in the defence and security establishment.
The sources also indicated that Pakistan had proposed to acquire a consignment of a set of AK series of assault rifles in an attempt to deepen military ties with Russia. However, the reports failed to note the specific model the neighbouring nation requested. Pakistan’s suggestion in the Indian establishment shocked because the nation’s army is using other rifles, AK 56 produced in China.
Russian leadership told India that it would not cooperate militarily with Pakistan:
AK 56, but smaller, is the Chinese AK 47 variant. A host of AK 56 has confiscated from Jammu, Kashmir and the North East terrorists. However, Pakistan plan has concerned that many of these rifles may have ended up in militant hands, the sources said. They also added that the Russian leadership told India that it would not cooperate militarily with Pakistan. However, the promise that came after India raised fears this year with Moscow.
Indian intelligence services are closely monitoring Pakistan’s military operations and its efforts to establish relations with Russia. The agencies have flagged many other suggestions made by Pakistan to Russia such as accident airstrikes in Balakot including the procurement of T90 tanks and new air defence systems.
The contract for the four Mi-35M helicopters already delivered in 2015 between Russia and Pakistan had sealed. Russia and Pakistan performed their first joint military operation in 2016 the following year. The developments between the governments of India and Russia have raised at many stages.
