Indian federalism establishes a constitutional division of powers between the Union and States, combining federal principles with strong unitary features.

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• The Constitution describes India as a Union of States, creating a federal system with a strong Centre unlike the classical federal model of the United States.

• Regionalism based on linguistic, cultural and economic identities often generates demands for autonomy, special status or separate statehood, challenging national integration.

• The division of powers through Union, State and Concurrent Lists frequently leads to legislative overlaps, administrative friction and disputes over jurisdiction.

• Fiscal federalism remains contentious due to revenue imbalances, dependence of states on central transfers and disagreements over Finance Commission recommendations.

• The amendment process grants dominant authority to Parliament, limiting states’ effective participation in constitutional changes affecting the federal balance.

• The concept of an indestructible Union with destructible States empowers Parliament to alter state boundaries without requiring their consent.

• The office of the Governor has been criticized for alleged political interference, especially in government formation and recommending President’s Rule.

• Emergency provisions allow the Centre to assume extensive control over states, temporarily converting the federal system into a unitary one.