it can be donE examples are : dhruv and lCH.
That are exactly the counter argument, because we done it right at these projects by learning from foreign countries first (Dhruv design co-developed by Germany, engine co-developed by France) and then started to do things alone.
If we would do it the same way, we first co-developm FGFA with the Russians and learn about NG techs and capabilities, that we simply don't have, then try to develop something alone later. But that's not the case right? We hardly started FGFA and want to start AMCA at the same time? Not going to work that way!

But do we have to compete with these countries? We have a stealth fighter co development anyway, that's what S. Korea and Japan don't have, that's why they now try to develop something on their own. The more important point for us imo is, that we get a steady growth, not only in our economy, but also in indigenous development capabilities, but that doesn't meant we must go from 50 km/h to 200 in the next step!