We can all debate why India has become the West's darling, but the fact remains that it has and, with its increasing clout
And therein lies the answer, which you've picked up yourself.
I think there's a few factors around this:
1) NRI's - Whichever market you're willing to look at (Middle East, US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian), NRI's have established a firm footing. In line with that, they've on the whole contributed positively and integrated into society, mainly through hard work and entrepreneurship.
2) Overseas Lobbying Effect - Linked to the above, NRI's do very well abroad. Education is incredibly important to them, and they're very successful in climbing the corporate / success ladder. This means that over time, they've managed to 'infiltrate' certain sections of society where their voice carries some mileage. Looking at the Obama administration and how many NRI's he has around him, or in the UK, then you see that as donors, or just simply due to their professional status, they hold sway.
3) Economic - As an emerging economy, Western govt's are all courting India and want to ensure some of those emerging companies invest a little their way. Coupled with the cash to splash at home, the growing middle class wants cars, TV's etc, and Western govts are all too happy to sell and are lining up.
4) Military - A huge industry and one where JV's can happen, and big deals like the MRCA. A massive armed forces needs servicing, and it makes sense to build relations targeting that aspect.
5) Healthy Relations Worldwide / Lack of Enemies - Whether it's Russia, the EU, the US, Arab world, Iran, Afghanistan and Israel, India doesn't upset any of them in a huge way. It's managed to weave itself quite brilliantly to keep everyone happy.
There could be more like the PR over it's democracy, tourism and how it merchandises itself through Bollywood, all these things and the above 5 factors works in its favour.
So they're in a unique position. Our concerns over Kashmir will be overlooked time and time again, because of the above. Something like Kashmir becomes irrelevant for world powers when India can tell the UK delegation "one mention of the 'K' word, and this love affair is over". And even that during the height of disturbances and killings in that region.
But then you have to admire India that they've managed to achieve that position, and we haven't.
India could be a lot more forceful if it wanted to in the Pak-bashing, trust me. Even during the press conference with Cameron, MMS was restrained and spoke of the desire to have dialogue when he could've twisted the knife further.
We need to look at India and see what they've done to be in the position they're in. They're not perfect, but we're sinking, and that needs to change soon with an overhaul of our own domestic policies.
Otherwise, prepared to be bashed, and if not cheerleading, expect India to be part of the mix.