India has been offered not to wait for the completion of its own 5th generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), but to receive Russian Su-57E now. According to IDRW, this could involve the rapid transfer of 8–10 aircraft — about half a squadron.

This option would allow the Indian Air Force to gain experience operating the Russian 5th generation fighter before the completion of the national program.

Along with the Su-57E, India could be offered long-range R-77M air-to-air missiles, also known as "Izdelie 180". Their stated range is up to 200 km. The missile is equipped with an active radar homing system and is designed to engage aerial targets even beyond visual range.

Indian media noted that the republic's authorities are not in a hurry to sign a contract for the localization of production of these combat aircraft.

They expect from the Russian side a detailed report on the cost of such a project amid parallel interest in French Rafale and modernization of the Su-30MKI fleet.

Aviation expert Roman Gusarov explained to "Pervyy Tekhnicheskiy" why the localization of Su-57 production in India would be beneficial for Russia.

However, former Indian Air Force Chief Marshal Bhadauria stated that the acquisition of a foreign aircraft should not distract the country from the AMCA program. He opposed the idea of buying a foreign fifth-generation fighter as a temporary solution.