The presence of Russian companies is also prominent here. After becoming the second largest exporter of arms in the world, next only to the United States of America, Russia now wants to further build its old relationship with India for business in the future.

India is due to purchase 126 multi-role combat aircrafts and Russia is keen to show off its MiG- 35.

“All brands are coming here from America from Europe, from Russia. It is very interesting,” said the President of United Aircraft Corporation Alexey Fedrov. “All the best aircrafts are included in this tender and we hope we will be one of the leaders of this tender and we hope we will be the winner.”

Both Russia and India’s long-term cooperation is already paying dividends, as the sides are sharing military technology to build a fifth generation aircraft jointly.

Americans are pitching their F-16 and F-18. In a bid to gain an edge, even celebrities, such as Abhinav Bindra, India’s only individual Olympic gold medalist, has been invited for joyrides in the F-16. Europe is also working to position its Eurofighter.

It is not only large foreign aircraft companies that will benefit from the Indian government’s intentions, but also small businesses, who may also get outsource orders to make parts for these planes.

“I get a lot of business like the small components where I supply to the major manufacturers, like big manufacturers around the world and they buy it,” said Sri Kant, the head of Global Business Development.

From the way the rivals are weaving vapour trails in the sky one can see that the competition is stiff.