I guess us Indians come across as cheap. I agree too that a lot of us are really cheap. Its probably because the day to day amenities and stuff is quite cheaper in India compared to other places. The cost of living index here is around Rs. 20-25000($400-500) a month for a well to do family. So when they go overseas its a hassle to spend much more, I guess. I know because I've lived in places like Thailand and Kuwait for a few years.
About bargaining, if you live in India you will understand lol. Shopping in India in many places involves going from shop to shop, and there aren't malls everywhere, other than the bigger cities. There is no fixed price at those shops. The sales people always try to sell stuff at a higher price than they should, and as an opposite reaction the customers bargain. Its sort of s skill here. Its not like that in the malls though. I guess growing up shopping like that sort of ingrains bargaining in your mind.