India has decided to continue purchasing the Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets from Russia as the latest mainstay of the Indian Air Force. Previously, India had planned to buy the F-35 fighter jets from the United States, but the deal fell through because India could not accept the various conditions set by the US. In contrast, Russia does not impose so many additional conditions when selling fighter jets to India; all that is needed is payment. Therefore, after considering various factors, India has only chosen to continue purchasing the Su-35 and Su-57 fighter jets.
It should be noted that India has retired all of its MiG-21 fighter jets, which has led to a depreciation of the Indian Air Force and created many gaps. Therefore, continuing to purchase Russian fighter jets as a supplement has become a necessity. When it comes to how India will pay for the Russian fighter jets, it can only be in US dollars, which is inevitable.
Even though India is severely short of foreign exchange, it still relies on Indian laborers who continuously earn money abroad, and these foreign exchange earnings can be used to purchase Russian fighter jets. Russia has shown the greatest sincerity by selling its two strongest fighter jets to India, which is also an effort to raise funds. With no other options left, Russia is trying every possible way to retain India as its biggest customer, so as not to lose its largest client.
Moreover, India's purchase of the Rafale fighter jets would weaken Russia. Now, buying Su-series fighter jets again is the only option available.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838453589388419/
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