I think our best bet would be with Australia, Israel, South Africa, Singapore, Japan,South Korea,Taiwan and Thailand. I am not saying all of them but at least some of them and a Joint Fighter would be better considering its such a huge project both financially and technologically for India to source parts and intellectual know hows.
Nice concept but I think it is best if we stick to Israel and possibly Singapore because they're more closer to us in relations than the others you mentioned.
1)
Australia and Thailand
The kind of arrogance and cold attitude it has towards Indians for that tiny military they have is something we've seen in all spheres in last 5 years. We don't need a bunch of arrogant losers who can't even stand their ground without NATO's backing even against Malaysia and Indonesia like countries who have limited military influence. The kind of treatment they are giving to Indians on their land is despicable and no Indian would be interested in allying with them. They have ZERO experience in any advanced design and are equally clueless as Singapore in aircraft manufacturing. At least Singapore has stronger military ties and is a committed country to its contracts which means they have potential to be of good help due to their smart industrial base.
Thailand I doubt has any capabilities similar to Singapore and Australia in terms of aeronautics. Also they don't have an enemy that would require stealth fighters to counter.
2)
Israel
Most ideal partner here for all reasons indicated before. An excellent tech source, a reliable strategic friend and we've got no issues with them. Already into LRSAM project with them so this would only augment relationship.
3)
Japan and South Korea
Constitutionally forbids any sort of military cooperation whether technical or non-technical other than with USA and NATO. So no chance of them having on board. South Korea needs to be given a bit more time till they come out of their US-fascination and stand on their own feet in terms of defence.
4)
Taiwan
Our coward government doesn't even have official ties with them and calls them a part of China so as "not to upset the People's Republic". If even recognizing them means so much for PRC, you think getting them involved in such an intimate project without any confidence built all these years will be cool with Beijing?! LOL.
5)
South Africa
Good choice. They've had reasonable experience at aircraft building through Atlas (now Denel) and are close friends of ours. But I doubt they have an adversary where they'd be willing to spend $85-100 million per fighter to counter them. In fact, from what I heard, South African parliament went ballistic when Thabo Embeki government ordered JAS-39 C/D Gripens from Sweden! Who's going to fight them strong enough for them to get involved in a stealth fighter program? :funny_2: