My dear frnd Sancho is not an expert.. He is Certified LCA troll..
No offence Sancho brother...
Here is my story:
The Story of Marut: It was first Jet India made. It was good plane but failed because it was underpowered. India went to every one begging for engine, no one gave it to India. So India thought we will go and build fighter aircraft with engine. In 1969 condition was different and not everyone was ready to share knowledge or Engine.
After LCA program started there were 2 major speedbumps
a) After Pokhran-II, LCA PV1 was parked in my garage for many years.
b) Mulla-yam Singh tried to close LCA program on the request of Dallals..
Some minor hickups were also there
a) Dallals tried to stop LCA project as well
The ADA role can not be undermined. There was a ego clash between ADA and HAL, which made this thing worse. ADA mismanagement was also responsible. IAF attitude (and corrupt nexus) is also contributed to it.