[throwaway7783]

It is India's close ties to USSR/Russia.

That's the western lens.

[whatshisface]

India didn't have close ties, it successfully took advantage of its neutrality to benefit from both sides of the cold war.

[throwaway7783]

I mean, if you look back in 70s/80s (even now), it is pretty clear India had/has better ties with Russia than most western blocks.