The report specifically stated F16, F18 DID NOT MEET requirements of IAF.Muppalla wrote: US probably is not looking at just commercial value and it wanted more deeper involvement in India's defense and strategic affairs using all means. Nuke deal with mixed results was the start but the juggernaut was stopped by some mean Indians on the MMRCA. India will keep buying the US stuff to keep the US firms in good humor so that they will openup more in terms of tech transfers. It is a lesson learnt from US perspective. There will be a fallout for US not able to sell the jets. We will see that slowly but surely.
Anyways all GoI is trying to do imo is balance everything out.
C130s, P8, artillery stuff and other small stuff heere and there = US
MRCA, Helicopters, HDW Sub upgrade = EU/EADS/Germany
Mirage upgrade or swap with Rafale, Scorpene Areva brought in for nuke reactors= France
Su30s/FGFA/PAKFA/MRTA/Gorky/Bailout of that rocket manufacturing company/Su 34s etc = Russia
LCA, MCA, Dhruv, Akash SAM, IAC etc - Indian!
You want our money? Work for it america, stop bitching - maybe relaxation of tech restrictions STILL IN PLACE and pressure on Pak to conform will be a start to show that you value us as a partner.
I suppose it goes for all of our partners.
Well done GoI. National interest at heart!