I've been to India many times (visiting family) as someone born and raised in America, and most people on the internet have bizarre views on India. I'm someone who is generally 'down' on travel to India because it's just a lot to ingest and I prefer easier places, but I personally would never worry about the sorts of things people online claim. It's not particularly dangerous in terms of violence. Food is amazing obviously. Hotels are out of this world if you're willing to pay the totally normal rates and not stay in hovels -- in fact hospitality is miles ahead of most western countries. Chaotic, loud, dirty at times, sure. You have to be used to seeing visible, sometimes shocking, poverty. And of course, if you don't know the local language and are not traveling with someone who is, it can be even more overwhelming. But I mean people are nice, and in some places, it's really nice and there are even some places I've been where I could see the appeal of living there.

I think India tends to defy common categorization. It's a developing country, but also quite advanced in many ways. Certain things work better. Trains are great. Metros are now really nice. Payment is great. They mostly do their own thing and it seems to be working for them.

To be totally honest, a lot of the India negging is from accounts associated with 'rival' countries. This has become more obvious as places like X have started showing the origins of many accounts. And before people start bringing up caste or whatever to explain my neutral-to-positive disposition towards the country, my 'community' in India is technically an 'otherwise backwards class', so it's not like I'm basing this based off of my family's non-existent wealth. By far, I'd rather stay in actual accommodations in India rather than with family because the accommodations are legit nice, and staying with family can be really hit or miss.

The problem with India is hygiene, not so much safety. The food might be great but you're practically guaranteed to get Delhi-Belly. I visited for work years ago, didn't eat any street food and was still taken out of action for 3 days. Rubbish is strewn everywhere, any standing water stinks. I don't think visiting again is worth the risk.

Every Indian I've ever met has been lovely though (except for the ones who try to scam call my mother)

But like you said, if it works for them who am I to disagree.