Sometimes the legal process gets in the way. Which is why the big guys step in. Remember the Arihant. Do you think it would be possible with out Russian assistance? If it was, it would have turned out to be a lemon like the Early PLAN SSN.
The barrel tech, was most likely a technical issue. Its about the resources ie steal. It needs to be local, so a direct copy is impossible considering the metallurgy difference and price difference. Russians are always under advisory role official or under the table. The is why Kanchan is used on the T-90 instead of Russian stuff.
But yea, keep thinking DRDO is too stupid. They are corrupt but they are not stupid. They are engineers and PHD holders some of the best in the field if not they know some one who is.
Why would they not work with foreign labs to re-invent domestic solution? Thats like 90% what DRDO has done.
Only difference is now the funding is coming in and infrastructure is being set up still including manufacturing support.
The AGNI SLBM would that have been possible with out Russian involvement? Considering the budget and stellar success.
The Russians are not giving this for free. But they are giving a pretty good deal considering what they provide others. This is nowhere near what US or anyother global partner provides for India.