experts say russia is also keen to keep india on side, despite its close ties to china. how important is india to russia? india is becoming a pivotal country which is a growing economy, which can economically, if not challenge china, but be an important player in the global game. - the russians are investing in india because they are hoping india - will provide them with that . strategic space that will keep them out of china's lap. they do not want to be l a junior partner to china. and now all eyes are on ukraine, with reports president putin could be planning a large—scale attack on the nation. on tuesday, he has a virtual summit with president biden to discuss the issue. all of this could ratchet tensions between washington and moscow and, as a friend to both, india's positioning with its allies will be watched closely in the weeks ahead. rajini vaidyanthan, bbc news, delhi.