I read some interesting speculation in an earlier thread that if the MMRCA is increased to 250 aircraft, there could be a split buy. In that case, the most logical split would be the Gripen and the Super Hornet.
The IAF would then have a common engine core for the Tejas, Gripen, and Super Hornet. And as the IAF have learned over the years with their experience with Russian aircraft, engine maintenance is one of your highest expenses.
Talking from an Indian POV, that would be putting too many eggs in an American basket. An American response remotely similar to that during the 1998 nuclear tests would compromise the operational readiness of three major combat types, which would roughly constitute about 50% of the IAF’s total strength by 2020-25.
And the split purchase option has its disadvantages, particular regarding issues of offsets, logistics management and even delivery times. India’s current state-run aerospace infrastructure does not have the efficiency to oversee what will be two different projects at the same time, in addition to other ongoing ventures such as the SU-30MKI, LCA and fifth generation fighter.