My experience with malaria is relevant to West Africa where the Chinese artisunate based drugs are considered most effective. Unfortunately I believe they are still not licensed in the UK and US, although they are produced by the major drug companies.
Daraprim is one example which is taken once a week and has no nasty side effects that I have heard of and it is also far cheaper than Malarone or Mefloquine. The same or similar should be just a few dollars if available in India for a couple of months supply.
The above notwithstanding is it essential for a pilot to take prophylactics for malaria. If you are aware of the symptoms you should be aware of onset for several hours before any serious effects and the continual taking of any drug is not a good idea for the body. Taking the prophylactic can also increase the risk of masking the illness and making treatment more difficult