Well!! we dont buy F35 because of various reasons..
its not just the purchase...its that we have to sustain a whole ecosystem too.
people who understand the basic of defense purchases understand the whole scenario of it.
We are super VIP because
1) we can afford it
2) We are creating a TECHNICAL ASYMMETRY with our enemies and foes.
3) We always keep the edge over our enemies.
For example
We buy missiles, we integrate every kind of missile from every country into our airforce or navy or army.. that means..it could be a Russian SU flying but doesnt necessarily mean that its a Russian missile that we will be firing at the enemies... the enemy buggers wont know what hit them.
so..whatever we do with our big purchases has big technical and logistical understanding. We will continue to buy even though we will be producing a lot in the coming years. Doesnt mean the ones we manufacture are not inferior, because thats how we like to play this game.
Its not weapons purchase..its also international relations and reach..
china knows it..i mean those who are the TOPS of china knows it