India's opposition parties have criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's offer to sell F-35 fighters to the country, citing their high costs, even as Russia has discussed producing its most advanced jets locally in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goals.

Touted as Moscow’s most advanced fighter jet, Russian officials are making a sales pitch of Sukhoi-57 fighter jet to its trusted defence partner Delhi

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run company responsible for assembling the jets, has been able to deliver only two Tejas jets this fiscal year, far below the planned 18. This has happened because of GE’s inability to fulfill engine orders due to internal supply chain disruptions.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Rosoboronexport – the country's defence export agency – have proposed to offer to India the Sukhoi Su-57 multirole

India is considering acquiring US F-35 fighter jets through an inter-governmental agreement, similar to the Rafale deal. The jets would serve as an interim solution until the indigenous AMCA programme is operational.

India plans to acquire F-35 fighter jets from the US. However, details are yet to be disclosed as talks between the two nations will start over the multi-million dollar deal. Technology sharing has also flagged some concerns over the data secrecy of US from nations like Russia.