Politics of India
-way of governing:
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India became a sovereign democratic republic on January 26, 1950.
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Changed from monarchies precolonisation to a democracy postcolonialism
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Approaches of democratic structures prior to british colonisation(vijayanagara
empire:tiers, ahom kingdom:councils, Sikh empire)
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Republic Day is celebrated annually to mark the adoption of India's constitution.
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India has the world's largest electorate with universal adult franchise.
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The government model follows British parliamentary rule with Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha: - Rajya Sabha ("Upper House") → 250 members  - Lok Sabha ("House of
the People") → 545 members
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The president, indirectly elected, holds nominal headship with mostly ceremonial
powers
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Between 1860 and 1920, the British incorporated the Indian caste system into their
system of governance, granting administrative jobs and senior appointments only to
Christians and people belonging to certain castes. Social unrest during the 1920s led
to a change in this policy.
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India operates under a federal system with powers divided between the central and
state governments: Central: - Council of Ministers (headed by Prime Minister) President (constitutional head of India) and Vice President States: - Council of
Ministers (headed by Chief Minister) - Governor
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There was a push for linguistic states, leading to reorganization of administrative
boundaries.
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Follows the Westminster system
-constitution:
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adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949 and came into force
on 26th January, 1950
One of the longest written constitutions
The Indian Constitution originally consisted of 395 Art, 22 parts, 8 Schedules. But
after the Constitution 104th Amendment Act, 2003, the Indian Constitution Consists of
448 Art, 25 parts, 12 Schedules.
-education:
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British Raj has significantly influenced the Indian education system
English education brought by britons such as Thomas Babington macaulay
Quality: curriculum in most schools based on rote learning(memorization rather than
understanding) -> lack of critical thinking and difficult to apply in rl situations
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Private schools typically use English as the medium of instruction, while public
schools prioritize native languages. (-> high enrolment ratio for private schools: 44
per cent in rural areas and 65 per cent in urban areas)
-relationships:
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As a member oft he commonwealth of nations India meintains relationships with other
members
India's Foreign Relations Overview:
India prioritizes protecting national interests and fostering friendly relations with 201
states.
Policies like neighborhood-first and Look East aim to enhance economic and strategic
ties.
Maintains strategic ambiguity, including a "no first use" nuclear policy.
Historical Evolution and Influences:
Peaks in influence during the 1950s, followed by challenges during conflicts with
China and Pakistan.
Cold War dynamics shaped alignment with the Soviet Union, impacting regional and
global standing.
Transition post-Cold War led to closer ties with Western powers and significant
strategic partnerships.
Post-Cold War Foreign Policy Shifts:
Reassessment prompted closer ties with the US, EU, and major powers.
Counter-terrorism efforts post-9/11 strengthened bilateral ties with the US and
Europe.
Advocates for reforms in international organizations and seeks a permanent seat on
the UN Security Council.
Strategic Partnerships and Alliances:
Key strategic partners include UAE, Russia, Israel, Afghanistan, France, and the US.
Military cooperation expanded, especially with Russia, Israel, and France.
Look East policy fostered partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, South Korea,
Japan, and Taiwan.
Current Status and Future Directions:
Strategic partnerships ranked, with Russia leading, followed by the US, France, and
others.
Initiatives like the G20 transportation project indicate efforts to strengthen trade and
connectivity with the Middle East and Europe.
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-power/influence of the country:
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Indian civilization is one of the oldest civilizations and its contributions to the modern
world through decimal system, invention of zero, foundational elements of
mathematics, grammar, Ayurveda, astronomy, and yoga are well known.
India holds significant power and influence on the world stage, which stems from
various factors
It is the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by
purchasing power parity (PPP).
India has the potential to become a global superpower, a state with an extensive
ability to exert influence or to project power in much of the world
1. **Economic Influence**: India boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing
economies globally. Its large market size and growing middle class make it an
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attractive destination for foreign investment and trade. India's economic policies and
developments can have ripple effects across the global economy.
2. **Geopolitical Importance**: India's strategic location in South Asia gives it a pivotal
role in regional and global geopolitics. Its relationships with neighboring countries and
major powers like the United States, China, and Russia shape regional dynamics and
influence global affairs
3. **Demographic Strength**: With a population exceeding 1.3 billion people, India
possesses a vast human resource base. Its demographic dividend presents
opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and cultural influence.
4. **Cultural Diplomacy**: India's rich cultural heritage, including its traditions, art,
cuisine, and Bollywood, contributes to its soft power. Indian culture resonates globally,
fostering goodwill and enhancing India's influence on international affairs.
5. **Technological Advancements**: India's prowess in information technology, space
exploration, and innovation has garnered global attention. The country's contributions
to science and technology, along with its growing startup ecosystem, position it as a
key player in shaping the future of various industries.
6. **Global Governance**: India's participation in international organizations like the
United Nations, G20, BRICS, and various regional forums allows it to advocate for its
interests and contribute to global governance and development agendas.
7. **Soft Power**: India's philosophy of non-alignment, commitment to democracy,
and contributions to peacekeeping missions enhance its soft power. Cultural exports
like yoga, Ayurveda, and Indian cuisine further bolster its global influence.
Overall, India's power and influence on the world stage continue to grow, propelled by
its economic, geopolitical, cultural, and technological strengths. As the country
navigates various domestic and international challenges, its role in shaping the global
order is expected to become increasingly significant.