Thread by @RAFIndia_

The earlier objectives with 57 with the tender were 3-dimesional and as follows:

• Air Wing for both IAC-1 (Vikrant) and IAC-2 (under early stage of design).
• Significant modernization of Naval combat ability.
• Modern 4.5 jets in long run.

The recent changes indicate that Navy now would like to focus on acquiring an interim solution focused on operationalising Vikrant with a dedicated air wing instead of only transferring MiG-29K, acquired between 2010-2016 (first unit inducted in 2013).

3 OEMs are reportedly still offering their flagship products: US Based Boeing with F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" Block III, Russia based Rosoboronexport with MiG-29K and French Dassault Aviation with Rafale M.

As already operational with the force, MiG-29K is at both advantage and disadvantage: considering how initially the Navy had to face availability issues with the type. But the experience favours it's chances.

F/A-18 and Rafale are yet to completely satisfy Indian Navy that they have sufficient abilities to operate from a Short TakeOff But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) configuration aircraft carrier. The F/A-18 demo was done with less fuel and clean underwing while Rafale test is pending.

While it is hard or atleast too early to assume which jet will be the winner in this "modified" tender, it is clear however that Navy is also looking forward to support the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) that is scheduled to take maiden flight by 2026.

Bonus fact:
Swedish SAAB and British BAe offered navalizee variants of Gripen E and Eurofighter Typhoon respectively. However, it was not too late before they realised that Indian Navy would favour only "realistic" and proven options instead of sudden out of box innovation.