India is considering purchasing the Russian Su-57 fighter due to access to technology and fast delivery. At the same time, New Delhi is hesitant to make this deal amid increasing cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. This opinion was expressed by military expert Peter Suciu in an article for The National Interest.
UAC has repeatedly tried to lure India, including offering to conclude a contract for joint production under a Russian license. In addition, representatives of Rosoboronexport courted the Indian authorities.
UAC also offered India full access to the source code of the export model Su-57E. This would allow integrating Indian avionics and weapons systems into the Russian aircraft.
It is unlikely that any Western aircraft manufacturer could provide the same level of access to a foreign buyer. However, the United States allowed Israel to include its systems in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which the Israeli Air Force adopted under the name F-35I Adir.
Despite the obvious advantages, there is a big disadvantage to this deal. India cannot ignore the partnership between Russia and China. Former Indian Air Force pilot Ajay Ahluwalia said that it is necessary to maintain relations with Moscow, but one cannot rely on it completely.
If India gets into a war with China, Russia will support China, not India. Moreover, a significant number of electronic components for the Su-57 are supplied from China.