In Indian markets, I see that the institutional investors aren't participating in the upmove. Neither are they betting for a huge move downwards in the short term.
Here's some interesting analysis of $VIX behavior: http://www.patternprofits.net/2009/07/buying-panic.html
The 23rd was another case like the 15th where the S&P rose as the $VIX rose. The markets are being forced up.