This book presents for the first time the key institutions, actors, and policy areas of democracy and politics in India. The Indian Union is the largest democracy in the world, with over a billion people. Since independence in 1947, the political system has demonstrated impressive effectiveness. Regular elections, a federal structure, and the inclusion of lower castes have contributed to maintaining the territorial unity of this South Asian multi-ethnic state. The liberalization in 1991 has accelerated economic development and poses new challenges for the political system. Following the end of the East-West conflict, India has expanded its relations with the USA, China, and the European Union, aiming for a leadership role in the international system of the 21st century.