The word Secular was added to the Preamble of Indian constitution through an amendment to the Constitution. Was Indian Constitution Secular as on 26 November, 1949, Enumerate.
India-Russia relations have undergone significant evolution since India's independence in 1947. Initially, India's non-aligned stance during the Cold War led to a strong partnership with the Soviet Union, driven by shared ideological interests and strategic convergences. The two nations cooperated cRead more
India-Russia relations have undergone significant evolution since India’s independence in 1947. Initially, India’s non-aligned stance during the Cold War led to a strong partnership with the Soviet Union, driven by shared ideological interests and strategic convergences. The two nations cooperated closely in areas like defense, space exploration, and economic development.
Post-Soviet collapse, India-Russia ties experienced a brief hiatus but rebounded strongly in the 2000s. Today, Russia remains one of India’s key strategic partners. The two nations enjoy robust cooperation in:
– Defense: Russia is India’s largest arms supplier, with significant collaborations in nuclear energy and space exploration.
– Energy: Russia is a critical partner in India’s energy security, with investments in oil and gas sectors.
– Trade: Bilateral trade has grown substantially, with a target of $30 billion by 2025.
The current situation is characterized by:
– Regular high-level exchanges, including annual summits
– Strengthening defense cooperation, including joint exercises and military hardware development
– Expanding energy ties, with Russia investing in India’s energy sector
– Growing trade and investment links
– Shared interests in regional organizations like BRICS and SCO
Overall, India-Russia relations have evolved into a multidimensional and strategic partnership, with both nations continuing to deepen their cooperation across various sectors.
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Secularism can be defined as a social order where religion is neither actively promoted nor criticized. The western concept of secularism is based on the idea of mutual exclusion i.e both religion and state must stay away from each other. The Indian concept of secularism is different as we follow thRead more
Secularism can be defined as a social order where religion is neither actively promoted nor criticized. The western concept of secularism is based on the idea of mutual exclusion i.e both religion and state must stay away from each other. The Indian concept of secularism is different as we follow the idea of Principled Distance i.e there is no strict boundary between state and religion and they are not divided into water tight compartments as they share porous borders boundaries.
Originally the Indian constitution did not mention the word Secularism. It was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 but it does not mean that The Indian constitution was not secular on 26th November 1949 when the constitution was adopted. Through various articles Indian constitution has ascertained that India is a secular nation.
Indian secularism is based on the following ideologies:
Nehruvian – State should not have any religion and state should not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion. Article 15 and 27.
Gandhian – “Sarv Dharm Sambhav” i.e. all religions coexist. Religions should be treated equally and rights to practice ones religion. Article 25 and 14.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Minorities right to religion. Article 29, 30 and 17.
Fundamental rights:
Article 14: Equality before law (irrespective of religion)
Article 15: State shall not discriminate on the basis of religion.
Article 25 – 28: Ensure freedom of religion to all.
Secularism forms the basics structures of the constitution. The Indian Union is not completely identified with a particular religion also it is not adverse to the use of religious symbols. Every citizen is equally entitled to the freedom of conscious and right to religion to freely profess, practice and propagate the religion of their own choice. Thus it would be correct to say that Indian constitution was secular even on 26 November 1949 before the word secularism was added in the Indian constitution by the 42nd constitutional amendment of 1976.
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