it's not either or, and while India certainly is a key economic ally, it's not going to be a defense ally exceptg on small areas where it conflicts with ChinaIndia is going to overtake the economies of Germany, UK, and Japan by 2030.
India's technological and military capabilities are on a fast upward trajectory, as evidenced by their space program.
The 21st century is going to be an Indian century, not a Russian one.
The vision you apparently have of India is a relic of the 1960s.
Your assumption that we have to kiss Putin's ass to have a counter balance to China runs contrary to historical trends. The geopolitical power axis of the 21st century is going to run through South Asia. Russia will be a second tier military power and a mediocre economic power by mid 20th century.
India's most effective role for itself is to play the middle and not get bogged down into superpower block geo-politics. Modi understands this and is content with economic integration, but not conflicting with China except on key areas of interest to India
you are wrong about Russia, there is no indications at all of this -it continues to improve its weapons and shows no signs of stoppingRussia will be a second tier military power
