I face Similar problem now I understand we have some more option : varStatus="loop", Here will be loop will variable which will hold the index of lop.
It can use for use to read for Zeor base index or 1 one base index.
${loop.count}` it will give 1 starting base index.
${loop.index} it will give 0 base index as normal Index of array
start from 0.
For Example :
<c:forEach var="currentImage" items="${cityBannerImages}" varStatus="loop">
<picture>
<source srcset="${currentImage}" media="(min-width: 1000px)"></source>
<source srcset="${cityMobileImages[loop.count]}" media="(min-width:600px)"></source>
<img srcset="${cityMobileImages[loop.count]}" alt=""></img>
</picture>
</c:forEach>
For more Info please refer this link