For any effective use of Missile, air-forces around the world have to rely on converged values of data presented by the OEMs in there simulated test with the actual operational param's recorded by the weapons computer. Than a POK is calculated around it. Of course it's made better if an aircraft is engaged with another aircraft or in war game where dummy targets are used. Dummy targets can be a bit of pickle, as they don't move faster or pull negative G's however an area of kill envelope is charted out.
One theory is that IAF is doing is, it's going to weaponize our top of the line aircraft with both missiles, testing it in a hot zone like near Leh and regions of J&K. They may want to get as much of data as they can. A few R77-1 orders is to test additional params until Astra is made potent and later inducted.
Another theory is, R77-1 is just a recent diplomatic maneuver as well, with the PAF going active near Skardu, Ladakh this would mean there attack formations have to face a newer missile system much better than what its legacy took down there top of the line jet. This could make them keep there distance while engaging our jets.