Thank you for the additional information.
My "criticism" was aimed at US not India. Why are there Americans who would accept the terms demanded by India?
If our aim is to get access to India's bases I have to ask why do we want access?
We taxpayers have paid for and co-signed trillions in loans to pay for decades of R&D. IMO we ought not give it away for something that we do not need.
Why? Because there are some Americans (not very many) who are wise enough to realize India's strategic importance as an ally beyond just a few tax dollars.
“If our aim is to get access to India's bases I have to ask why do we want access? “
US has been requesting access to Indians bases since the 50s. If you look at the map, most of American bases are located in hostile Muslim countries that resent American presence, have been threatening to cut of access to supply lines or exacting a high price for US presence. And none of those countries are US friendly let alone strategic ally. While India is a fairly pro-US country right in the middle of Asia, that can help keep a check on Pakistan and China.
A few technological crumbs is only a small price to pay. And its not like India will take it for free. India will pay good money for it. Its pretty much the only thing US has that India wants.
Or....... you can pour billions of tax dollars on Pakistan, gift them cutting edge weaponry and still have them as your enemy. Your choice!
Your R&D stuff will end up in China one way or another. India on the other hand is offering a good price for it and may actually use it against China. Its not such a bad deal.