[Southack]

F-18’s have short range and require in-air refueling...not entirely appropriate for India’s vast size and topography and budget and infrastructure.

F-15’s and F-16’s would be a better fit...neighboring Pakistan shares much of the same terrain (e.g. long hostile distances between airports) and loves the F-16.

The F-35 would be appropriate for India, as well...if a bit pricey.

[DesScorp]

"F-15’s and F-16’s would be a better fit...neighboring Pakistan shares much of the same terrain (e.g. long hostile distances between airports) and loves the F-16."

But they're specifically looking for aircraft carrier fighters here. Neither the Eagle or the Viper can do that job. And as far as the short legs issue, the F-16's legs are nearly as short as the baby Hornets. They both came from the lightweight fighter program. They weren't supposed to have deep-penetration range. Both have to carry drop tanks for anything over 400 miles or so, or refuel mid-air. The Hornets have built-in buddy tanking ability if India goes that route, and if they buy Super Hornets, the E/F birds have much longer legs... 900 miles unrefueled. Add drop tanks to that (or better yet, put a tanker in the area), and the Indians could reach any target in Pakistan and come home.