russia, iran and india, together, are not really "eastern" countries, but represent the eastern boundary of western civilization. all three nations and cultures are fundamentally western societies.

as we are heading towards a major war with china, putting sanctions on india was very stupid. the chinese have predictably responded by trying to pull the indians in closer.

if we want to win a fight with china, we require russia to be on our side, or we will lose. the indians are not as pivotal, but it would be easier with them on the side of the west than the east. 

both russia and india know what side they're on and want to tilt westwards, but america and europe are making it impossible, to their own eventual demise.