I want to fly to Indian in business class.

I have some 280k AI miles, all BIS, nearly all business class. Today I learn that two r/ts from NYC to BLR will run over 360k miles!! (Compare with DL miles on AF, 120k per person, 240k total!)

Btw, that outlandish rate -- over 180k per person -- is not for the tickets outright; it is to upgrade a V-class economy ticket. So I still have to buy a V class ticket!

Here are my questions.

1. Where can I specify a V-class ticket to buy? The AI website does not allow me to specify fare class.

2. Roughly how much would a V class ticket cost?

3. Can I redeem my AI miles on any other airline? I know in theory I could redeem on LH and SQ. Is there any real availability on those airlines though?

4. If there is not good partner redemption availability, should I just suck it up and blow the miles on the upgrade?