Viewing Indian defense procurement, and the conversations that happen around India defense procurement, it quickly becomes clear that it (inexplicably) revolves around China. I still remember when the Indians got their first nuclear delivery system with the theoretical range to hit Beijing, and the absurd amount of chest-thumping that came with it.My problem is, there's no comparison! This superstition, based on Indian childlike naivety and Modi's Jai Hind megalomania, that the two are equal rivals is simply a joke! You only have to look at the industry and its products, but also at the numbers of weapons systems... it would be like suggesting a comparison of my school's football team against Bayern Munich would have a chance.
This is only one example, every single major Indian procurement achievement is without fail talked about with relation to China. Artillery platform enters trials? Immediately bring up Chinese artillery systems. Tank finally exits testing? Immediately bring up the ZTQ-15, and Ladakh. A drone turns on its engine for the first time while strapped to the ground? It's immediately as capable as the WZ-10, and India now has the keys to the Malacca straits.
It's a very unhealthy, and quixotic mindset. China, to the outside observer, is quite clearly ahead of India. And India is always wanting to leapfrog some decades worth of experience to try and quickly match China. If the Indians were simply to let go of constantly comparing everything to China, I think they would find their defense progress much more satisfactory.