Secularism in India and the West is shaped by distinct historical, cultural, and political contexts, leading to differing interpretations and practices. In the West, particularly in countries like the United States and France, secularism typically emphasizes the strict separation of religion and state. This “wall of separation” approach seeks to prevent government endorsement or interference in religious matters, promoting a neutral public sphere where religion is a private affair.

In contrast, Indian secularism adopts a more inclusive approach, recognizing the religious diversity inherent in its society. Rather than strict separation, Indian secularism allows the state to engage with religion to ensure equality and protect minority rights. The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and mandates the state to treat all religions with equal respect, leading to practices like state involvement in religious festivals or managing religious institutions to uphold social harmony.

The differences stem from India’s need to accommodate its vast religious pluralism and history of communal tensions. While Western secularism often seeks to minimize religion’s public role, Indian secularism acknowledges religion’s pervasive influence and aims to balance religious freedom with state intervention to maintain societal balance and protect minority interests. This leads to more complex and sometimes contentious discussions about secularism in India compared to the West.