India's refusal to purchase the Su-57 could be a serious blow to the export prospects of the Russian fifth-generation fighter. Military expert Andrey Kashkarov believes that currently, the aircraft has failed to attract either large or small foreign customers.

New Delhi had been considering the purchase of the Su-57 since 2011 as part of the joint FGFA project. It was assumed that India would receive an adapted version of the Russian fighter and participate in its development. However, negotiations reached an impasse several times, and then the Indian side completely switched to its own program for creating the fifth-generation AMCA aircraft.

According to experts, India's refusal is related not only to the characteristics of the Su-57 itself but also to New Delhi's changing approach to military technologies. If previously the country was ready to purchase Russian equipment and produce it under license, now India seeks to create its own developments and gain access to technologies.

According to Kashkarov, potential buyers are deterred by questions regarding the level of stealth, cost, and production rates of the aircraft.

India, however, has repeatedly shown interest in Russian technologies. Cooperation on the Su-30MKI became one of the most successful defense projects between the two countries, and the joint development of the BrahMos missile demonstrated the possibility of deep cooperation.

However, the model that worked with the Su-30MKI no longer suits New Delhi. India wants not only to assemble ready-made aircraft but also to create its own technologies that can be used for export.

The key stumbling block remained access to the source codes of onboard electronics and engine production: HAL confirmed its readiness to deploy assembly of the Su-57E at facilities in Nashik, but a final decision was never made at the government level.