India faces a dilemma regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's offer to sell F-35 fighter jets, criticized by Indian opposition citing high costs and Elon Musk's negative remarks. Meanwhile, Russia proposes in-country production of Sukhoi Su-57 jets.

And, most strikingly, Mr Trump said they were “paving the way” to supply India with the F -35, which is currently restricted to American allies. That only intensified manoeuvring among military officials and arms-makers in Bangalore.