India, Russia and the World | Conversation with Major General SK Sharma

Major General SK Sharma, CEO and Managing Director of Indo Russian Rifles Private Limited joins Runjhun Sharma, Head of News at RT India, for the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, the weekly podcast on geopolitics, world affairs and much more.

General Sharma calls the AK-203 rifle – Sher, the Hindi word for Tiger. He says it is the Gen Z version of the AK-47; a rifle with Russian DNA, now 100% ‘Made in India’. He discusses global defence demand, western sanctions, Sher’s first combat use during Operation Sindoor, and how India-Russia defence ties have evolved from just buyer-seller ties to full technology transfer.

On a lighter note, General Sharma talks about his Russian engineers in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh - enjoying local Awadhi food and Bhojpuri music while making the rifle for the future. Watch the full episode for more.