India's earliest political unity dates to the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), which saw much of the Indian subcontinent dominated by a single ruler.
The modern Republic of India was established after independence from Britain in 1947, followed by the integration of princely states between 1947–1956, and the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
The President is India's ceremonial head of state, representing the country in international affairs, promulgating laws, appointing the Prime Minister and other officials, and acting as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Droupadi Murmu has been President of India since July 25, 2022. Murmu is the first person from India's tribal community, and the youngest and first post-independence-born individual, to hold the office.
The Prime Minister is the chief executive and leader of the cabinet who determines government policy, oversees administration, and directs both domestic and foreign policy.
Narendra Modi has been India's Prime Minister since May 26, 2014. Modi was re-elected for a third term as of 2024.
Modi leads India's government, coalition negotiations, and has launched significant economic and diplomatic initiatives, including 'Make in India' and digital infrastructure.
India and the G20
India is a founding member of the G20, comprising the world's largest economies. India held the G20 Presidency from December 2022 to November 2023, organizing the group's 18th Summit in New Delhi (September 9-10, 2023), themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam)”.
Under its presidency, India prioritised:
- Green development, climate finance, lifestyle for environment (LiFE)
- Accelerated, inclusive, resilient growth
- Progress on Sustainable Development Goals
- Technological transformation and digital public infrastructure
India's G20 Summit was the largest international gathering held in the country.
India advocated greater inclusion of the Global South, including the African Union in the G20.
Modi is expected to attend the 2025 G20 Leader’s Summit in South Africa, scheduled for November 22–23, 2025.
Indian leadership remains highly active in shaping the G20 agenda around sustainable development, Global South representation, and finance challenges.
Economic Data (2024–2025):
2024 GDP: $3,912.69-billion (World Bank, Trading Economics)
GDP share of world economy: 3.69%
2025 GDP Forecast: $4,159.00-billion
GDP growth rate (YoY, June 2025): 7.8%
GDP per capita (2024): $2,396.71 USD
Five Fun Facts About India:
- India's population is over 1.4-billion: India surpassed China in 2023 as the world's most populous country.
- India invented zero: The concept of zero as a numeral was developed in ancient India by mathematician Brahmagupta in the 7th century, revolutionising mathematics.
- Kumbh Mela is earth’s largest gathering: The Kumbh Mela, a spiritual festival held every 12 years, attracts more than 100-million people, making it the largest human gathering on the planet.
- Meteorite-formed lake: Lonar Lake in Maharashtra was created by a meteor impact around 52,000 years ago and is one of just four known impact crater lakes on Earth.
- The world's largest postal network: Boasting over 155,000 post offices, India’s postal system is the most extensive globally, even delivering mail to remote Himalayan villages.