"The early plans were for upto 120 single engined multirole fighters-for which the French Mirage-2005 was the frontrunner,while the Swedish Grippen & American F-16 was also proposed.Now that requirement has been changed to twin engined jets-for which the French Rafale,Russian Mig-29M will probably the frontrunners."
I think the reason for this would be that the requirement for single engined multirole fighters will be fullfilled by the LCA which is expected to be inducted in the IAF by 2008. Just my guess.
Personally I wouldn't like to go for a SuperHornet or the Mig 29M. My choice would be between Eurofighter and the Rafale. Even so I would like to see a few more Mirage-2005 in our inventory.
I think the Rafale is also the favourite choice for our indigenous carrier (ADS).
Mirage-2000/2005 platforms are showing their age,despite their highly impressive record.You don't want to invest in platforms which the French themselves will withdraw by 2020.Besides,India has the money to buy high-end items & why not get it before Singapore or Australia get it(both of whom have been offered the Rafale & the EF-2000)??Besides the Rafale,the naval variant of the LCA & the Mig-29K will probably be given a lookin for the ADS.I think HAL showed innovate & codevelop the LCA with IAI or BAE systems & market it as a fighter to replace Mig-21s/23s & F-5 Tigers.Not everyone can afford or need an F-16 or SU-30.